How do I know if my babies BCG is infected?
high temperature (fever) headache. swollen glands under the armpit in the arm where the injection was given.
Can BCG cause infection?
In a child with severe immunodeficiency, the BCG vaccination can cause a serious and even fatal disseminated infection. These infections affect approx. one child per 100,000 vaccine recipients. Remote infections caused by the BCG vaccine are always diagnosed and treated in specialised medical care.
Does BCG blister hurt baby?
Reactions to the BCG vaccine are common, but serious long-term complications are rare. Most children develop a sore at the injection site. Once healed, the sore may leave a small scar. In 1 to 6 weeks, a small red blister may appear where the injection was given.
How long does it take for baby BCG to heal?
What to expect after your child receives the BCG vaccine. In 1–6 weeks, a small, red blister may appear where the injection was given. This should heal in a few weeks. After 6–12 weeks, the blister may turn into a small, weeping sore.
How long does BCG last?
BCG vaccination given to babies and young children provides consistent protection (up to 80%) against severe forms of childhood TB, such as TB meningitis. It can be less effective against TB affecting the lungs in adults. The protection from the BCG vaccine can last up to 15 years.
Why does BCG leave a mark?
The characteristic raised scar that BCG immunization leaves is often used as proof of prior immunization. This scar must be distinguished from that of smallpox vaccination, which it may resemble.
Why is BCG given at birth?
In most tuberculosis (TB) endemic countries, bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) is usually given around birth to prevent severe TB in infants. The neonatal immune system is immature.
Can you get TB if you have BCG?
The BCG vaccine is not very good at protecting adults against TB. You can still get TB infection or TB disease even if you were vaccinated with BCG. You will need a TB test to see if you have latent TB infection or TB disease.
What happens if BCG is given twice?
There is no proven benefit of repeated BCG vaccination against TB. This also applies to revaccination of BCG-vaccinated individuals who remain negative by subsequent tuberculin testing. In the absence of a scar in children in high-burden countries, BCG vaccination is indicated.