What is the BCG vaccine?
The BCG is an injection given to children under five years of age against Tuberculose (TB). Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. TB spread through coughing, spitting, or sneezing in the air. Symptoms of TB include tiredness, coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.
When is the BCG vaccination given?
The vaccination is usually given soon after birth, while the baby is still in the hospital and up to six months of age. The BCG vaccination catch up can be done up to the age of 5 years if vaccination was not done at birth. If your child is older than 6 months, he or she will be tested to see if they have TB. Depending on the result of the test, your child may be offered the BCG vaccine.
How is the BCG vaccination given?
BCG vaccination is given as an injection into the upper right arm intradermal with a small needle. Some reaction is expected.
What happens after the vaccination?
In 1 to 6 weeks, a small red pimple (like a mosquito bite) may appear where the injection was given, Do not treat the pimple.
The next step is that the red pimple will increase in size and contain yellow fluid. This is expected between 6 and 12 weeks of age.
The blister will open by itself, drain and dry up. The blister may form again and open and drain. The sore may take up to 3 months to heal and may leave a small scar.
How to look after the BCG vaccination site
Keep the site clean and dry.
Do not squeeze or scratch the site.
Do not use ointments, oils, herbs, disinfectants on the site.
Do not put a sticking plaster over the site.
Do not rub or massage the site.
If a sore develops, cover the site with a gauze swab to allow air to get in.
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