BCG: tuberculosis vaccine

Verified 06 January 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Tuberculosis vaccination (BCG) is no longer mandatory. However, getting vaccinated remains highly recommended for some children residing in France. For example, the vaccine can be made in a maternal and child protection center (PMI) without advance payment. We present you the information to know.

The BCG vaccination requirement no longer exists for children.

Vaccination, however, is highly recommended from birth for some children.

One order of priority according to 3 levels has been established by the health authorities. Currently, BCG vaccination is a of priority level 1.

FYI  

Health and social workers are no longer required to be vaccinated against tuberculosis.

1st level

The rules differ depending on the geographical location:

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General case

Vaccination is for children under 5 years of age (including those in Île-de-France) with an identified risk factor for tuberculosis:

  • A child born in a country with a high prevalence of TB: Africa, Asia (outside Japan), many countries in the Middle East and Near East, Central and South America, Central and Eastern Europe
  • A child with at least one parent from one of these countries
  • Child who must stay at least one month in a row in one of these countries
  • Child with a recent case of tuberculosis (less than 5 years old) in his entourage
  • Children in any situation deemed by the doctor to be at risk of exposure to tuberculosis, including children living in unfavorable housing conditions (precarious or overcrowded housing) or unfavorable or precarious socio-economic conditions, children living with adults from a country where the presence of tuberculosis is high.

Guyana and Mayotte

Vaccination is a priority for all newborns before the maternity leave.

2nd level

Vaccination is intended for children aged under 5 years of age whose only risk factor is to reside in Île-de-France.

3rd level

Vaccination is for children aged 5 to 15 years older patients with an identified risk factor for tuberculosis and after tuberculin testing.

The rules differ depending on the geographical location:

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General case

Vaccination is recommended from the age of 1 month for children at high risk of tuberculosis.

The vaccine may also be offered up to 15 years, in unvaccinated at-risk children.

FYI  

For children with a family member with recent tuberculosis (under 5 years of age), vaccination is recommended before the exit of maternity.

Guyana and Mayotte

Children born in Mayotte or French Guiana should receive this vaccine as a priority and before the maternity leave.

The BCG may be carried out:

  • In a maternal and child protection center (PMI)
  • In a free vaccination center
  • In a Tuberculosis Control Center (CLAT)
  • In maternity.

Prescribing, dispensing and vaccination are done on site.

Your town hall can also give you the address of the organizations closest to you.

Who shall I contact

Yes, this vaccine is supported totally by the Health Insurance.

Please note

This vaccine is currently not available in pharmacies.

If you notice an adverse effect on the state of health, following the vaccination, you can report it on the portal "Health report":

Health reporting

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region