Tuberculosis screening and prevention in new immigrants 1983-88.

Although only 11 cases of active tuberculosis in new immigrants were found, 29.9% of those aged under 30 were tuberculin negative on entry and were given BCG vaccination. In addition 12.8% of children aged under 16 were strongly tuberculin positive and were given chemoprophylaxis. The defects of the official Port of Arrival system for reporting new immigrants are discussed. Entry screening of new immigrants allows worthwhile preventive action, BCG vaccination or chemoprophylaxis, in a substantial proportion of those screened.