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<p>Based on the current available evidence, there are no plans to extend free Bacillus
Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccinations to all those who work with bovines. BCG vaccination
against tuberculosis (TB) is not usually recommended for people aged over 16 years
old, unless the risk of exposure is high. BCG vaccination can be offered to veterinary
staff and staff, such as abattoir workers, who handle animals or animal materials
which could be infected with TB.</p><p>Under these current criteria in the Green Book,
a very small subset of farmers may be eligible for the BCG vaccination. Their eligibility
for TB vaccination should be based on an individual risk assessment. Those eligible
would access the vaccine through a private occupational health provider and may seek
further advice from the National Farmers Union. Non-National Health Service providers
can charge for this service.</p><p>Under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations (COSHH), all new employees, including farmers, should undergo a pre-employment
health assessment, which should include a review of immunisation needs. The COSHH
risk assessment will indicate which pathogens staff are exposed to in their workplace,
such as bovine TB. Staff considered to be at risk of exposure to pathogens should
be offered routine pre-exposure immunisation as appropriate. This decision should
also take into account the safety and efficacy of available vaccines. Staff not considered
to be at risk need not routinely be offered immunisation, although post-exposure prophylaxis
may occasionally be indicated.</p>
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