BCG Vaccine Vaccination:Complications,Normal Reaction,Scar

ISSN 0973 - 0958

Home

Parent Corner

Vaccine and Immunization

BCG vaccine

Share |

Immunization or Vaccination

MMR - Importance of the Second Dose

Tetanus toxoid Vaccine

Varicella Vaccine

Growth Calculator

Height Calculator

Weight Calculator

BMI Calculator

Calori Calculator

Head circuferences Calculator

Mid parental height Calculator

Body surface area Calculator

BMR Calculator

Temperature Calculator

Anion gap Calculator

Translate this page

BCG VACCINE

Q. Why is BCG not recommended in USA?
A. In developed countries like USA, very few cases of tuberculosis occur. As BCG does not prevent primary TB or the adult type of tuberculosis no benefit will be derived by routine BCG vaccination in such countries. Hence BCG is not recommended in USA routinely.

Q. What is the normal reaction to BCG vaccine?
A. Immediately after the BCG vaccine there is a small swelling at the injection site, which persists for 6-8 hours. After that the swelling disappears & the injection site looks normal. After 6-8 weeks a swelling reappears, which looks, like a mosquito bite. It grows in size & forms a nodule, which breaks open & discharges some fluid & forms an ulcer. The ulcer heals by forming a scar. The whole process takes 2-5 weeks. Some times this process of ulceration & healing recurs 2-3 times. Ultimately the typical puckered scar is formed which remains for lifetime.
If ulceration occurs within 7 days of injection, one must report to the doctor, as it may be a sign of tuberculosis in the child.

Q. What local care should we take at injection site?
A. Injection site should not be pressed or rubbed. It should not be fomented. Nothing needs to be applied locally. Infact, bath with soap and water should suffice even when it has ulcerated.

Q. What if the child develops fever?
A. BCG does not lead to fever. Hence search for another cause & treat accordingly.

Q. Can BCG be given over thigh from beauty point of view so that scar is hidden?
A. By convention BCG scars are looked for over the left arm & hence it is easier to recognize for the doctor when parents do not remember whether BCG was given in the past or not. Hence BCG should only be given over left arm & nowhere else.

Q. What if scar is not seen after BCG vaccination?
A. Formation of scar is neither necessary nor is the only indication of success of BCG vaccine. However it is the only simple & convenient way of determining success of BCG vaccine. It may take 3-6 months for the scar to form. If no scar is visible at all after 6 months one needs to do Mantoux test. If negative, one should give repeat BCG.

Q. Can BCG be given with other vaccines?
A. BCG can be given with other vaccines except Measles and MMR. In fact, BCG is given along with zero dose of OPV & 1st Dose of Hepatitis B vaccine at birth. BCG should not be given along with measles or MMR.

Q. What are the complications of BCG?
A. In 1-2 % of vaccinees, local gland can get swollen. Consult your doctor if it remains the same.

Mail To Your Friend

Print This Article

VACCINE REMINDER

"Get the Vaccine Schedule for your child."

Vaccines (Immunization) Specialist Answer

Side Effect Of Varicella Vaccine If Given Intramuscularly

About DPT Vaccine Dose in child Suffering From Diarrhea

Antibody to Find Immunization records

Giving Vaccines MMR and varicella together

About Chart for Vaccination Program

more...

Want an expert opinion? Put your query to our medical experts and get advice

Pediatric oncall book store

Partner Sites

Pediatric Oncall Journal

Educational Section

Nutrition

Skin Problems

Swine Flu Center

Health Solutions from our sponsors

DHA

Baby Massage

Disclaimer:

The information given by www.pediatriconcall.com is provided by medical and paramedical & Health providers voluntarily for display & is meant only for informational purpose. The site does not guarantee the accuracy or authenticity of the information. Use of any information is solely at the user's own risk. The appearance of advertisement or product information in the various section in the website does not constitute an endorsement or approval by Pediatric Oncall of the quality or value of the said product or of claims made by its manufacturer.

Sitemap For Doctor

Sitemap For Parent

Sitemap For Kids