What Is the BCG Vaccine?
Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is primarily used to protect against Tuberculosis (TB). Tuberculosis vaccination for children is an important decision, as they are particularly vulnerable to the disease. The BCG vaccine is the only one of its kind to offer protection against TB and is currently a part of the immunization schedule under the Universal Immunization Programme.
In countries like India, which has a high incidence of TB, medical practitioners recommend administering the BCG vaccine to children at birth. There are also cases where TB vaccines for children are administered between the ages of one to five years.
How Is the BCG Vaccine Administered?
The BCG vaccine is given as an injection to children who have a higher risk of catching TB. The vaccine helps the child’s immune system fight the germs that cause TB and helps prevent them from developing serious TB disease.
Understanding Tuberculosis: Tuberculosis is a highly infectious disease that can cause tiredness, coughing, fever, and shortness of breath. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also impact other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, joints, and kidneys. A very serious case of TB can lead to meningitis. TB spreads from person to person through coughing, spitting, or sneezing into the air.
How Does the BCG Vaccine Protect My Child from TB?
The BCG vaccine strengthens the immune system, enabling it to fight off the germs that cause TB, thereby preventing serious TB disease. The vaccine is administered as an injection in the upper arm.
When Is the Best Time for My Child to Have the BCG Vaccine?
It is ideal for your child to receive the vaccine within a few days of birth, up to six months of age. However, they can be vaccinated anytime up to five years of age. If your child is older than six months, they will be tested to determine if they already have TB. Based on the test results, your child may be offered the BCG vaccine.
What Happens After the Vaccination?
Reactions to the BCG vaccine are common, but serious long-term complications are rare. Most children develop a sore at the injection site, which may leave a small scar once healed. A small red blister may appear where the injection was given within 1 to 6 weeks. After 6 to 12 weeks, the blister may turn into a small, weeping sore. If this happens, cover the site with gauze to allow air to circulate. Avoid using sticking plasters. The sore may take up to three months to heal, potentially leaving a small scar, which is normal.
How Effective Is the Vaccine?
While the BCG vaccine does not prevent infection with the germs that cause TB, it does help prevent children from developing serious TB disease.
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