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TB vaccination for all London newborns proposed | TB vaccination for all London newborns proposed |
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All newborn children in London could be vaccinated to reduce the spread of tuberculosis (TB), under proposals that are out for consultation. | All newborn children in London could be vaccinated to reduce the spread of tuberculosis (TB), under proposals that are out for consultation. |
Cases of TB have risen 50% in the capital, according to London Health Programmes (LHP), which has produced the draft plan. | Cases of TB have risen 50% in the capital, according to London Health Programmes (LHP), which has produced the draft plan. |
LHP hopes its range of proposals, which also includes targeted testing, will help to cut the rate of the respiratory illness by 50% over the next 10 years. | LHP hopes its range of proposals, which also includes targeted testing, will help to cut the rate of the respiratory illness by 50% over the next 10 years. |
The consultation runs until 13 July. | The consultation runs until 13 July. |
London has the poorest rate of cases of TB in Britain at 40 per 100,000 people, and it is also one of the worst in Western Europe. | London has the poorest rate of cases of TB in Britain at 40 per 100,000 people, and it is also one of the worst in Western Europe. |
The LHP draft plans say all newborn children should be vaccinated within six weeks of birth. | The LHP draft plans say all newborn children should be vaccinated within six weeks of birth. |
'Serious issue' | 'Serious issue' |
The BCG jab was discontinued for school children in 2005, after it was deemed unnecessary. | The BCG jab was discontinued for school children in 2005, after it was deemed unnecessary. |
Other proposals include improved early identification of people with infectious TB, targeted testing and treatment of latent TB infection and an awareness and education programme. | Other proposals include improved early identification of people with infectious TB, targeted testing and treatment of latent TB infection and an awareness and education programme. |
A Department of Health spokesman said: "We recognise that tuberculosis is a serious issue in London, particularly in more deprived boroughs and among the migrant community. | A Department of Health spokesman said: "We recognise that tuberculosis is a serious issue in London, particularly in more deprived boroughs and among the migrant community. |
"We welcome the consultation on the draft TB Plan for London. | "We welcome the consultation on the draft TB Plan for London. |
Early detection | Early detection |
"However, consideration of future vaccination needs is just one of a range of areas the plan identifies for further control of TB." | "However, consideration of future vaccination needs is just one of a range of areas the plan identifies for further control of TB." |
Dr John Moore-Gillon, Vice President at the British Lung Foundation and TB specialist, said: "People can unknowingly have TB bacteria present in their bodies without being ill, and early detection through screening programmes is also important. | Dr John Moore-Gillon, Vice President at the British Lung Foundation and TB specialist, said: "People can unknowingly have TB bacteria present in their bodies without being ill, and early detection through screening programmes is also important. |
"Crucially, both the public and health care professionals need to be aware that TB is back, and growing fast." | "Crucially, both the public and health care professionals need to be aware that TB is back, and growing fast." |
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