A MOTHER-of-two was furious when she had to shell out �42 per child for the BCG vaccination against Tuberculosis (TB). The potentially deadly disease runs in their family and afflicted the children s grandfather. On top of that her daughter Beth has start

A MOTHER-of-two was furious when she had to shell out �42 per child for the BCG vaccination against Tuberculosis (TB).

The potentially deadly disease runs in their family and afflicted the children's grandfather.

On top of that her daughter Beth has started work as a classroom assistant at Cambell Junior School, where several cases of active TB were discovered last year.

Lorna Davies is a single mum and lives just off Whalebone Lane South in Dagenham.

Because of her family history and her daughter's new job, Lorna decided to get the BCG jab for her children.

She went to see her GP who recommended the whole family be vaccinated and she filled out a form requesting it on the NHS.

However Lorna later received a phone call saying the board had decided her family was not a priority and would have to pay for the injection.

Lorna said: "They told me Barking and Dagenham wasn't a high risk area.

"Apparently places like Walthamstow are and you can get the BCG for free if you live there.

"I just want my family to be safe and well. Given the fact my father suffered from TB I thought I would take the precaution.

"Especially seeing as my daughter is about to start at Cambell School where there was an outbreak of TB.

"But apparently none of this warranted a free injection. I'm a single mum and �84 is a lot of money."

The BCG jab used to be given to all school pupils at the age of 13 or 14 but was discontinued because it was an ineffective way to combat TB.

However it is still available on the NHS for those who are at high risk of developing or being exposed to the disease.

A Barking and Dagenham NHS spokeswoman said: "If her GP generally felt there was a need for the children to get vaccinated he should refer her to the Chest Clinic in Redbridge.

"If the patient meets the criteria this would be provided by the NHS."

Lorna received a letter last week saying her case would be investigated and her money refunded if possible.