BCG vaccine - Frequently asked questions answered by a Paediatrician

"Today we are going to talk about certain childhood vaccinations
and the frequently asked questions regarding these vaccinations The first vaccination that any child gets soon after birth is the BCG vaccine
What is the BCG vaccine?
Why is BCG vaccine given at birth?
Now why do we give BCG Vaccine at birth? BCG vaccine is a vaccine toprevent Tuberculosis in children. And it is equally protective in adults
Does BCG vaccine ensure that the child will never get Tuberculosis?
Now, does BCG vaccine give full protection? BCG Vaccine cannot prevent the bacteria from coming into your body However, it can prevent the organism from getting distributed in your body
and causing serious side effect like TB,meningitisor renal-tuberculosis or tuberculosis of the other organs Hence all over the world the WHO has mandated that all children receive BCG vaccine soon after birth
Can BCG be given at any age?
However if it is not given at birth it can be given at any age up to 5 years without any testing
If it is to be given beyond five years particularly in people who are NRI’s or people who come over from abroad where they do not routinely give the BCG because theytuberculosis is not a problem with them When they come to India if their child is above five years we do a test to see if the child has been exposed If the child tests negative -in those children we can give BCG up to the age of20 years
What are the side effects of BCG?
What is the BCG vaccine scar?
What happens when I give BCG vaccine to a child After I give the vaccine for the immediate period until up to 24 hours you may have small swelling at the site of the injection which may disappear over next 24 hours.And after 3 weeks parents may notice that there is a small swelling at the site of the injection This is the normal BCG reaction This swelling develops into a pus point for the next three weeks and takes almost 3 months to heal Parents are requested not to fiddle with this swelling because if you try to remove the pus or do any other manipulation of the swelling it can cause complications of the vaccine There is relatively no side effect involved or very little trouble since when I give the vaccine neither
there is going to be a fever or there is going to be any pain at the site at that time or beyond up to3or 6 weeks But if it is not properly taken care of - you can spread the vaccine to deeper structures which may cause swelling in the arm pit and that may cause a lot of concern to you
How long does BCG protection last?
How long does the protection last that comes from giving BCG
BCG vaccine is a vaccine which gives a long lasting memory. The protection is said to be life-long
We do not have to repeat BCG on repeated occasions like other vaccines
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[@udayakumarpriya5500]

Thank you soo much sir . Very clear explanation about BCG vaccine you clear my fearful dout. HATSOFF SIR.

[@RW-nr6bh]

I had this vaccine at Middle School in the UK in the 1990s. I was surprised to find out recently it's no longer given to every child in the UK.

[@dakshandamyra3232]

Thank u sir...ur info is very useful fr me

[@Oursaibaba]

My son is 12 years old and was given BCG vaccine in India. He came from USA. He wasn't given the vaccine in his childhood in US. His swelling is still quite visible after 6 months and itchy sometimes. I usually apply some oil on the bruise. Shouldn't the swelling go down after 6 months. Shall we be concerned. Please reply. Thank you.

[@payalwanjari3467]

Hello doctor, I have given bcg vaccine in government medical college nagpur to my baby. My baby is 5weeks but till now nothing sign or scar shown of bcg. What should I do now

[@KiranKumar-bk1ji]

Same issue

[@amans5283]

I would like to ask.My baby swelling arm with pus after a month vaccinated with BCG. Is that normal indication or any concern. That pus seems getting bigger. I m so worried.....
Please tell me sir

[@PriyankaMaurya-gi3xf]

Merit baby ka bcg ka tika lage huye 9 mounth ho gaya Avi tk sahi nhi ho raha h usme se pulse nikalata h usse koi problm to nhi hoga

[@ammajiy2210]

Bcg vaccination after red blister vachindi Paravaleda Enni days ki pothundi problem Amaina vunda

[@doitwithruchi2362]

Agr BSG vaccine pake na to kya kre ??

[@drdebmitadutta]

There should be a small swelling at the site of the injection. If there is absolutely nothing - do check with your doctor to see if the vaccine has worked

[@luckyglory2071]

What moth is the bcg given

[@aarthips6231]

My baby didnt have a scar or blister in bcg vaccinated spot?? Is there any problem??

[@dadysprincess7890]

My son also didn't have scare and nothing now he is 4 months

[@priyankaagarwal6753]

My son is eight month old and he didn't have any scare

[@priyankaagarwal6753]

Scar

[@khannasreen1438]

fever ata hai kya

[@dsjawedali78691]

My baby 2 bar BCG vaccine laga liye isme kya hoga

[@sharmilayadav3190]

What if it is given 2 times by mistake? Any side effects??

[@suryaa8965]

Same happens here also. Please let me know if you have any information on this double dose (gap is 45 days for both)

[@sharmilayadav3190]

@@suryaa8965 No problem bro, no side effects at all in my case

[@suryaa8965]

@@sharmilayadav3190 Thank you

[@shamimanasrin5522]

Bcg vaccine diy gha hoini pora kono problems hoba

[@sabnamara9349]

If BCG vaccine is not given at the age of 2 month..

[@drdebmitadutta]

There is catch up schedule for missed vaccines. Please check with your doctor immediately