When to Give BCG Vaccine
BCG vaccination does not prevent tuberculosis in children. It is not the case that only vaccination will prevent tuberculosis in life. However, it protects the child from life-threatening tuberculosis such as miliary tuberculosis and cerebral tuberculosis.
Recent studies have shown that BCG vaccine has no role in the prevention of primary tuberculosis in children, but is effective in about 80% of the two types of tuberculosis mentioned above. Apart from that, depending on the child's age, nutritional status and other factors or conditions, immunity develops in about 50% of cases of pulmonary tuberculosis. Thus, it can be seen that through BCG vaccination, children are protected from harmful tuberculosis (active) and death.
Immunization Schedule
BCG vaccination should be given to the child as soon as possible, preferably within two weeks, following the Expanded Program of Immunization (EPI) schedule.
But if for some reason BCG cannot be given within two weeks, then the child can be vaccinated till the age of five years.
The dose of this vaccine is 0.1 ml for all age groups. It is given in the left arm. At the site of BCG vaccination, first an abscess and then a sore appear between 8 and 12 weeks. If someone does not have this local reaction after 12 weeks of BCG vaccination, a second BCG vaccination should be given immediately.
Feedback and Usage
Reactions from BCG vaccination are rare. Sometimes there is localized swelling of the glands, which subsides on its own and usually does not require treatment.
BCG vaccine is stored at 2 to 8°C. However, it must be used within four hours of preparation.
Other benefits
In addition to tuberculosis, BCG vaccination also plays some preventive role against leprosy. This vaccine also plays some preventive role against childhood nephrotic syndrome and bladder cancer.
BCG Vaccine
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a vaccine used mainly against tuberculosis (TB). In countries where tuberculosis is endemic, it is recommended that healthy infants receive a dose as close to birth as possible. Children with HIV/AIDS should not be vaccinated. In areas where tuberculosis is not common, only children at high risk are usually vaccinated, and suspected cases of tuberculosis are tested and treated. Adults who do not have tuberculosis and have not been previously vaccinated but are frequently exposed to drug-resistant tuberculosis can also be vaccinated.
Protection rates can vary widely and last from ten to twenty years. It protects about 20% of children from infection and half of those who are infected from developing the disease. The vaccine is given by injection into the skin. Additional doses are not supported by evidence. It can also be used to treat certain types of bladder cancer.
Side Effects of BCG Vaccine
Serious side effects are rare. There is often redness, swelling and mild pain at the injection site. A small sore may form which may leave some scarring after healing. Side effects are more common in people with weakened immune systems, and are potentially more severe. It is not safe to use during pregnancy. The vaccine was originally prepared from Mycobacterium bovis which is commonly found in cattle. It is weakened but still alive.
BCG vaccine was first used clinically in 1921. It is on the World Health Organization's list of essential medicines, which are the most important medicines needed in the basic health system. The wholesale price of one dose in 2014 is US$0.16. Its price in the United States is 100 to 200 US dollars. The vaccine is given to about 100 million children each year.
Post a Comment