Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) control in the 21st century faces many challenges at the global, regional and national level.

The problems of poverty, adherence to treatment and stigma still prevail, while increasing drug resistance and HIV co-infection demand new approaches.

Due to a number of manufacturing issues which have affected global vaccine supplies, BCG vaccine was not available in New Zealand between 2016 and mid 2018.

The vaccine is now available from public health community BCG vaccination clinics and in-hospital vaccinations. For more information see BCG vaccine and vaccinator endorsement.

For more information on TB, including symptoms and immunisation, go to the Health Information and Services website:

• Tuberculosis
• Latent tuberculosis infection
• TB vaccine

The Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) under contract with the Ministry of Health contributes to the national public health surveillance effort.

ESR produces an annual report which summarises the descriptive epidemiology of TB notifications (disease and latent infections) in New Zealand.

Tuberculosis Annual Reports - ESR

Guidelines for Tuberculosis Control in New Zealand, 2019

The Guidelines for Tuberculosis Control in New Zealand 2019 contains information on the diagnosis, treatment and management of patients.

Tuberculosis Case Management for People In Correctional Facilities, 2018

The publication provides guidance for the staff of corrections facilities, public health services and clinical TB services in New Zealand, to enable them to carry out tasks relating to the case management of people with active TB disease or with latent TB infection in corrections facilities.

Communicable Disease Control Manual

The Communicable Disease Control Manual seeks to inform and assist those at the frontline of public health action, namely the medical officers of health, health protection officers and staff at public health units.

The manual describes the standard practice that public health services would normally follow in regard to the prevention and control of notifiable diseases such as tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis - Communicable Disease Control Manual

Review of Neonatal BCG Immunisation Services in New Zealand, 2007

This review evaluates the neonatal BCG immunisation service in New Zealand.

BCG vaccination resources - HealthEd

BCG vaccine AJV - Immunisation Advisory Centre