home Audience 12 BCG vaccination is normal. When is BCG vaccination given to newborns? Reaction after vaccination

BCG vaccination is normal. When is BCG vaccination given to newborns? Reaction after vaccination

The BCG vaccine is a type of pathogenic bacterium that is persistent in the environment. Its creation and purpose is to infect the body with tuberculosis to such an extent that it does not harm the body and develops immunity. Through a limited tuberculosis process that is safe for human health as a whole, protective antibodies are formed in the body. According to the relevant decree, since 1962, BCG vaccinations have been mandatory on a large scale. Is there another law by which one can protect oneself from these procedures? Eat! The law “On Immunoprophylaxis of Infectious Diseases”, which appeared in the Russian Federation in 1998, gives everyone the right to choose: BCG for and against. You have the right to agree or refuse to get an anti-tuberculosis vaccine for your children or yourself!

The vaccine is called “Bacillus Calmette-Guérin”

What do you need to know about the BCG vaccination?

Is BCG vaccination dangerous and how long is the “list” of side effects or does refusal to do so provoke fatal epidemics? This debate has been going on for decades. There is a category of doctors who claim that the vaccine hits a specific pathogen - Koch's bacillus, without taking into account the coordination of the interaction of all systems of our body, which predetermine its natural immune response. BCG is one of the oldest vaccines known to the world. It was developed almost a hundred years ago at the Pasteur Institute on the basis of bacteria of the weakened causative agent of bovine tuberculosis. BCG vaccination in patients' bodies triggers the formation of a hormone, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, that induces the death of transformed cells.

The vaccination scheme is based on this feature: “A vigorous and healthy person is turned into an unpredictably sick person with the sole intention that in the future he will not become infected with tuberculosis,” which is used for newborn children in the first seven days after their birth. Are there any violations in the above logic of events? The course of further reasoning will demonstrate that a complete denial of vaccinations requires the conclusions of competent medical authorities. Since there are no such conclusions, people are forced to make a choice “blindly”.

The creation of a vaccine involves a live pathogen, which, according to the rule, is “neutralized” by a strong poison, mercury or something else. A vaccine, represented by a weakened pathogen, is administered to a person to produce protective antibodies in him in order to protect him from the disease itself. But the fact that 99 out of 100 are naturally immune to tuberculosis is for some reason hidden. No, individuals who are immune to infection should not be tormented.

Comment from the forum. “What if your baby turns into a disabled person after vaccination, will you feel guilty? No? For example, are you familiar with the information that the BCG vaccine contains a low concentration of mercury? Would you like to know how mercury affects the central nervous system? If you are ready to forgive yourself for delayed speech development, hyperactivity, inability to concentrate (these are the mildest complications), then get this vaccination. You are responsible for the child, it’s up to you to decide.”

The BCG vaccine is injected under the skin, into the shoulder

Live weakened, with reduced pathogenicity, mycobacteria BCG vaccines, entering the body, will “excite”
immunological memory. After a subcutaneous injection, the mycobacterium, mixed with the blood, spreads throughout the body, forming breeding grounds for live infection in the lymph nodes, maintaining unabated immunity from two to seven years. This is the most important difference between BCG vaccination and other live vaccines, in which living enclaves of the pathogen are not formed in the body to create immunological memory.

When is anti-tuberculosis immunity formed?

True anti-tuberculosis immunity is formed in the body in the first year after birth. A sign of successful immunization is a scar in the form of a scar at the injection site, this is what the result looks like from having recovered from local cutaneous tuberculosis. If the scar remains very small, then, as a rule, immunization was insufficient.

What is important to know?

The practice of tuberculosis has led to the conclusion that this infection primarily affects the low-income population with poor nutrition and unsanitary conditions. No, this is an undisputed fact. The disease also has unpredictable features: with epidemiological spread among the population of our state or in a number of countries, the disease can strike anyone, regardless of material income. In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence of tuberculosis among people who do not lack material needs.

Refusing to vaccinate your children against tuberculosis is a big responsibility. There have been many cases recorded in the history of this disease when tuberculosis infection is detected in young children without ranking into “favorable” and “unfavorable”. For example, children vaccinated before the age of two are practically not susceptible to infection with tuberculous meningitis. This leads to one of the mandatory measures to prevent infection - vaccination of all newborn children. And there is no difference in the social status and material standard of living of their parents to vaccinate.

It should be noted that those wishing to obtain information about BCG vaccinations have unlimited freedom of informed choice regarding their use in the territories of EU countries. The selection and study of materials about the actual percentage of post-vaccination complications will be able to guide parents in their specific actions.

Reaction to tuberculosis vaccination

At the injection site, shortly after the BCG vaccine, a milky papule with a diameter of 0.5-1 appears. 0 cm
The normal course of the reaction ensures its appearance a month and a half after the injection.
It is necessary to handle the area where the injection was given with care, protect it from irritation, and protect it from moisture when bathing.
Upon completion of the reaction, the papule dries out, leaving a scar with a diameter of about 1.0 in this place.

Manifestation of complications after BCG vaccine

BCG vaccination sometimes entails complications, of which there are two types. The first type of complications is severe and is a consequence of the spread of tuberculosis infection through the circulatory system. The administered vaccine gives impetus to the development of tuberculosis in the body. This type of complication is associated with incorrect selection of children for vaccinations.
It is noted that the risk of contracting tuberculosis due to complications is not as high as that of unvaccinated children contracting the same disease.
The second type of complications, which is milder in form, is possible if the vaccination technique is not followed or if a spoiled drug is used. Infiltration occurs. Its formation under the skin occurs due to a very deep injection. If you do not seek medical help, you can worsen the situation - the infiltrate will enter the underlying tissues and the infection will enter the circulatory system.
Keloid formation is one of the possible complications. It is not observed often, and in “infants” it is very rare. Keloid is considered an inherited disease; its peculiarity is the excessive growth of scar tissue.
Inflammatory process of lymph nodes. The size of the lymph nodes located under the armpits increases noticeably, during bathing this is noticeable. Lymph nodes reach the size of a walnut or even a chicken egg.
In some people, the infection comes out through the skin, and a fistula occurs in this place.
Any such sign of complications requires timely medical consultation.

Conclusion

Review of the vaccine. “We were vaccinated with BCG on the third day, in the maternity hospital, the injection did not cause any complications in the baby. The injection site did not break out, it healed, everything went well. I am sure that vaccination is simply necessary, because tuberculosis disease still exists today and I don’t want to put the child’s health at risk.”

Question on the forum about vaccinations against tuberculosis: “Z Why introduce the BCG vaccine, which all developed countries on the planet have banned due to its danger and uselessness??!».

Many medical reports claim that in developed countries on the planet there is no vaccination against tuberculosis in maternity hospitals! Below is a photo of a sample application, by filling out which you can exempt your newly born child from vaccinations, including anti-tuberculosis ones.

Despite the development of diagnostics, prevention and therapy, the incidence of tuberculosis throughout the world remains high. To reduce the risk of infection, children are vaccinated with BCG in the first days after birth. Such a vaccine does not allow latent infection to transform into dangerous forms and makes it impossible for the development of severe complications of the disease. The slight discomfort is compensated by the enormous benefits and protection of the human body in the future.

Why is vaccination against tuberculosis necessary?

The reaction to the BCG vaccination frightens many parents, and they refuse to administer the vaccine without understanding the issue. This is a reckless decision, because today the incidence of tuberculosis remains high throughout the world.

BCG is the injection of a weakened bovine tuberculosis bacillus. The special composition is safe for humans because it is grown in laboratory conditions specifically for medical purposes. It is not capable of causing a dangerous disease.

The vaccination is well tolerated by infants. Temperature, suppuration, itching are the body’s normal reaction to it. The purpose of introducing the active component is the prevention of tuberculosis. The vaccine does not save you from the disease itself, but it does not allow its latent form to transform into an open one.

The following beneficial effects are associated with vaccination:

reducing the likelihood of developing severe complications (meningitis and others);
reducing the risk of death from infection;
reduction of morbidity in childhood.
The first vaccine injections are given to infants who are in the maternity hospital. Subsequently, injections are repeated at 7 and 14 years of age.

Possible pros and cons

Many parents, especially those far from medicine, wonder whether BCG vaccination is necessary. This preventive measure is not well known among the population; there are many rumors, myths and prejudices about it.

Doctors highlight the following undeniable advantages of the procedure:

it does not cause dangerous reactions, children tolerate the vaccine normally;
caring for the affected area is not difficult and does not require special training;
reduces the risk of infection;
in case of infection, makes the disease proceed in a milder form;
eliminates the likelihood of death due to tuberculosis.

The reason for parental doubts is the adverse effects of vaccination in some cases.

They are related to:

Complications. They arise in cases where the doctor does not comply with contraindications, does not know when to give an injection, and when not, administers the composition incorrectly.
Slow healing of the impact site. As a rule, this process lasts at least 12 months.
Rumors about the harmful composition of the active substance. Word of mouth reports that it contains compounds of aluminum, mercury and other heavy metals, and that the vaccine is potentially dangerous for the baby. This information is 100% untrue.
The last word remains with parents, who may refuse vaccination. However, before doing this, you need to study the information about the injection and clarify whether there are any contraindications. The harm caused by BCG is not comparable with the enormous benefits for the health of a small person.

What should an injection mark look like?

The mark from the BCG vaccination appears immediately after the injection. This is a compaction (papule) with a diameter of 1 cm. The appearance of such an area on the skin indicates that the vaccine was administered correctly. The seal dissolves within 15-20 minutes.

How does the BCG vaccine heal? 30 days after the injection, the body’s reaction should appear. A lump appears at the injection site, which can fester. This formation lasts 4-5 months. There is no need to be afraid of such a symptom: this is a normal reaction of the body.

After another couple of weeks, the abscess disappears, leaving a papule that gradually turns into a blister with liquid inside. After another 2-3 months, it bursts, and in its place a wound forms, which is covered with a crust. The latter cannot be peeled off: it must fall off on its own. It is not recommended to use iodine or brilliant green or to wet the area.

BCG vaccination what should be the reaction?

If the doctor acted correctly, the process develops according to the following scheme:

Immediately after the injection, a thickening appears, which quickly disappears;
after 1-2 weeks, the needle insertion site turns red;
after 4 months, the grafting site thickens and festers;
pus may leak out and form again;
in the place that was festering, a bubble with liquid appears;
it bursts and becomes covered with a crust;
everything goes away, leaving a scar up to 10 mm in diameter.

This sequence of changes means that the injection went smoothly and parents have nothing to worry about.

Contraindications for vaccination

The introduction of the active substance can lead to dangerous reactions in the body if contraindications are not followed.

These include the following:

low weight of the child (up to 2.5 kg);
malignant tumors, blood diseases;
illnesses in the acute phase;
skin lesions;
immunodeficiency;
presence of family members with tuberculosis, etc.

Before the procedure, the doctor must assess whether there are any contraindications. Otherwise, the vaccine may be dangerous for the baby. After vaccination with BCG, doctors monitor the body’s reaction for a whole year.

Consequences of using the vaccine

Children who have undergone BCG experience a variety of body reactions that cause concern for parents. Let's consider what consequences are considered normal and do not require seeing a doctor.

Suppuration

The BCG vaccination festers - this is a normal reaction of the body. The treated area may become inflamed a month after the procedure. If there is no reddened and swollen skin around the papule, there is no cause for concern. Otherwise, you need to consult a doctor: the baby may have an infection.

The pus should not be squeezed out; it is forbidden to use antiseptics to treat the wound. If liquid leaks, it is removed with a sterile bandage.

Swelling

After vaccination, the shoulder area begins to swell. This lasts 1-2 days, after which the treated area should not differ in any way from neighboring areas of skin. The abscess forms much later.

Important! If your hand is very swollen, inflamed and does not return to normal, you should consult a doctor.

Fever

This reaction occurs when an abscess forms: inflammation and abscess. As a rule, the temperature does not exceed 38 degrees. To improve the child’s condition, it is enough to give an antipyretic drug.

Important! If your temperature rises immediately after the injection, you should consult your doctor.

Redness

The grafting site takes on a reddish tint after the pus drains out. If the surrounding tissues are not affected, the body temperature is normal, parents have no reason to worry.

Itching

The baby may want to scratch the wound. The consequences of such a “cute prank” can be unfavorable, so it is recommended to apply a bandage to the injection site.

If severe itching occurs immediately after vaccination, this may be evidence of an allergic reaction. You should consult your doctor.

Many parents are interested in the question of whether it is possible to bathe their child after vaccination. There are no contraindications for this. However, if in the first days the temperature persists and the BCG vaccination has become severely festering, it is better to hold off on hygiene procedures.

Video

Video - 13 contraindications for vaccination

Adverse effects of injection

Certain consequences of drug administration should alert parents. For example, the BCG vaccine turned red, and then no reaction occurred on the skin.

The absence of an abscess indicates that either the doctor gave the injection incorrectly, or the child does not have immunity. In such cases, after vaccination, a Mantoux test is done. If the result is negative, BCG is repeated.

Important! The absence of a noticeable scar is sometimes due to the fact that it has formed under the skin. An experienced doctor will determine whether this is so by palpation.

Many dangerous complications of vaccination are due to the fact that the doctor did not take into account contraindications.

These include:

Lymphadenitis is the entry of bacteria into the lymph nodes. Treated with surgery.
Cold abscess. Associated with non-compliance with the drug administration technique. Treatment requires surgery.
Bone tuberculosis, ulcer, osteomyelitis and other complications.

In some cases, a keloid scar appears at the site of BCG: red, tight skin. This means that repeated administration of the vaccine is contraindicated.

To eliminate the side effects of BCG, you need to monitor how the body’s reaction proceeds, what happens during healing, how long the redness or fever persists. The task of parents is to notice alarming facts in time and consult a doctor. He will tell you what to do in case of reactions that take longer than usual or are more intense.

Complications after BCG vaccination are rare. In most cases, the body reacts normally to the vaccine, and only a small spot on the arm reminds of its administration in an adult.

The benefits of the procedure have been proven in practice. The sea of positive effects significantly outweighs the slight discomfort that the baby and his parents have to endure.

Every newborn baby is introduced to the vaccine under the short name BCG (in the Latin abbreviation BCG, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) in Russia in the first days after birth. Children during their stay in the maternity hospital (3-7 days), in the absence of indications for medical exemption and with the consent of the baby’s parents, are given a vaccine against tuberculosis, in other words, BCG. The reason for such early vaccination for children lies in the risk of infection with tuberculosis, an airborne infectious disease widespread throughout the world that affects the lungs and, under unfavorable circumstances, can lead to death.

Introduction of BCG: 5 facts about the vaccine

This vaccine is injected intradermally into the superficial muscle of the upper arm called the deltoid muscle.
Vaccination against tuberculosis is administered only after the Mantoux reaction. The only exception is newborns, who do not undergo a tuberculin test before BCG. Starting from six weeks of age, the Mantoux test before vaccination is a mandatory requirement.

Important! Everyone is familiar with the Mantoux reaction - the nurse “draws a button” on the hand, which cannot be scratched or wet until the result is measured. A severe reaction to Mantoux is a contraindication to BCG vaccination.

To prevent tuberculosis in a child, after the first dose of the vaccine is administered, two more revaccinations are carried out in children - at primary school age (6-7 years) and at 14 years.
Vaccination against tuberculosis in children may subsequently affect the result of the Mantoux test, making it false positive; The test reaction in this case is uninformative. However, with a pronounced induration of the Mantoux test (˃12-15 mm), there is no doubt that either Mycobacterium tuberculosis is present in the body, or the patient has been in contact with infectious agents.
After complete healing, the drug leaves a scar on the child. It serves as proof of the administration of this vaccination.

Reactions to the BCG vaccine

True negative consequences associated with tuberculosis vaccination can occur in three cases:

administering the vaccine if the child has one or more contraindications;
severe immunodeficiency in a child;
getting the drug under the skin, incorrect injection technique.

In this case, the true consequences of BCG vaccination are understood as:

inflammation of the bones (bone tuberculosis);
keloid scars formed after pathological healing of vaccination in a child;
development of BCG infection in children (spread of mycobacteria from vaccine components in the child’s body).

If a child has any of the above-mentioned consequences of vaccination, then revaccination of this vaccination will not be carried out; this requires constant monitoring of such children by a TB doctor and prescribed anti-tuberculosis treatment.

Common side effects of BCG vaccination

In the vast majority of cases, vaccination against tuberculosis is tolerated without any consequences, there are no complaints about the injection, the wound gradually heals, redness subsides and a scar forms. It is absolutely normal if the baby does not have an active reaction to this vaccination. Normally, after the injection, the body temperature does not rise, and the injection site does not bother you. But sometimes wound healing in children is atypical, which causes concern among parents. Let's consider the most common complaints about drug reactions that occur 6-12 days after administration.

BCG wound is festering

Mothers describe it this way: the vaccine at first looked like a red and dense “button,” but then it became covered with a crust, from under which pus came out. Apical suppuration is a normal reaction of the body to this vaccine. Redness at the injection site may also accompany the entire period of wound healing. This is how a characteristic dense scar is formed. The only thing that can be alarming in this situation is the spread of redness beyond the boundaries of the vaccine.

Note! During the healing period, the vaccination wound is open to various infections. Try not to leave the injection site open; dress your child in clean clothes with sleeves. In rare cases, the healing process is delayed, but if the wound festers not for several weeks, but for several months, then a consultation with a phthisiatrician is necessary.

The graft is swollen/swollen

If immediately after administration of the drug the injection site appears somewhat swollen, then there is no reason to worry. The swelling on the child’s arm will disappear in the first three to four days after the injection. Then a grafting reaction occurs, the wound heals, a crust appears, and possibly a slight suppuration with the formation of a scar. If the vaccine in children has severe swelling and there is no visible decrease in its size, you should show the reason for your concern to your doctor.

Lymph nodes enlarged after vaccine administration

Acceptable enlargement of lymph nodes is up to 1 cm in size as a response of the body’s immune system to a live vaccine. But if the increase reaches a large size, surgical intervention may be required due to the possible entry of mycobacteria into the lymph nodes of the drug, which is fraught with complications.

A scar is slowly forming

The wound after the injection heals and scars within 2-4 months. This long process does not depend on external causes, so all that remains is to wait and observe the cleanliness of the baby’s body. The injection site should not be vigorously rubbed with a washcloth/soaped/washed with a towel; when bathing your baby, simply avoid this area.

On a note! The vaccination does not need to be treated with anything, there is no need to seal it before swimming, smear it with wound-healing creams, and especially burn it with alcohol-containing substances. The healing process does not require parental intervention or manipulation.

What is BCG: decoding, history of the term and purpose of vaccination
BCG M - vaccination to prevent the development of tuberculosis

The vaccine contains live mycobacteria of the BCG-1 strain, which, when entering the human body, lead to the formation of long-term immunity to.

The decoding of BCG is a tracing of the Latin abbreviation (BCG), it stands for bacillus Calmette-Guerin, which means “bacillus Calmette-Guerin”.

The BCG vaccine can accommodate a variety of Mycobacteria bovis subtypes. The composition of this vaccine has remained the same since 1921.

The culture of mycobacteria that are used to make the vaccine is obtained by inoculating bacilli on a special nutrient medium. For one week, this culture grows on the medium, then it is isolated and filtered. After this, it is concentrated and made into a mass of homogeneous consistency.

As a result, the vaccine contains a certain amount of both dead and live bacteria. In this case, a single dose of the vaccine can contain a different number of bacterial cells, this depends on the subtype of mycobacteria, as well as on what technique was used in the manufacturing process of the vaccine preparation.

Release form

The BCG vaccine is produced in the form lyophilisate , which is subsequently used to prepare a suspension, which is administered intradermally.

Available in the form of a porous powdery hygroscopic mass, also produced in the form of white or cream-colored tablets.

The vaccination dose contains 0.05 mg of bacteria in 0.1 ml of solvent (sodium chloride 0.9%).

5 ampoules of vaccine complete with solvent (also 5 ampoules) are packed in a cardboard box.

pharmachologic effect

Tuberculosis is one of the most dangerous infections, and it can develop in a child from the first days of his life. Its effectiveness depends on when the BCG vaccination is given. The earlier vaccination is carried out (as a rule, it is done on the third to seventh day), the more pronounced its effectiveness will be under the condition of contact with infection.

In the process of reproduction of live mycobacteria of the BCG-1 strain in the body of a person who has been vaccinated, a long-term form of tuberculosis gradually develops. The formation of full immunity against tuberculosis occurs over the course of about one year.

The response to BCG vaccination in newborns determines whether immunity has developed. Vaccination has been carried out successfully if a scar appears on the shoulder, and in the place where the BCG vaccine was administered, the consequences of locally suffered skin tuberculosis are visible. Accordingly, if the scar is very small and invisible, then insufficient immunization is noted.

When weighing the pros and cons of vaccination, it should be noted that the use of the vaccine does not help reduce the spread of tuberculosis. However, vaccination provides protection against severe forms of the disease, which are especially dangerous for children's health.

Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics

The duration of immunity after vaccination is unknown.

Indications for use

children of the first year of life staying in places where there is a very high level of tuberculosis;
children in the first year of life, as well as children of school age who have an increased risk of contracting tuberculosis;
those who have a lot of contact with people who have been diagnosed with tuberculosis in a form resistant to many medications.

Contraindications for BCG

The following contraindications for BCG vaccination have been noted:

birth of a child prematurely (provided that the birth weight is less than 2500 g);
intrauterine infection;
development of acute diseases (it is necessary to postpone the introduction of vaccination until the exacerbation is over);
purulent-septic diseases;
severe and moderate forms of hemolytic disease in newborns;
primary ;
the presence of neurological symptoms in severe damage to the nervous system;
generalized skin lesions;
the presence of malignant tumors;
simultaneous use of immunosuppressants;
carrying out radiation therapy (vaccination can be practiced only 6 months after completion of treatment);
the presence of generalized tuberculosis in other family members;
diagnosed in the mother.

The same contraindications are noted for the administration of the BCG-M vaccine.

Revaccination is not carried out in the following cases:

during acute diseases, both infectious and non-infectious;
for acute manifestations;
with immunodeficiency;
in the event of the appearance of neoplasms and malignant blood diseases;
when undergoing radiation therapy or taking immunosuppressants (booster vaccination can be carried out only six months after completion of such therapy);
tuberculosis (also a history of illness or infection with mycobacteria);
with a positive or questionable Mantoux reaction;
in case of contact with patients who have infectious diseases;
when complicated reactions to the vaccine administration occur (in particular, if complications of BCG vaccination were noted in the form of a keloid scar).

Side effects

The occurrence of side effects is determined by the ingredients of the BCG vaccine, what it is, and how it acts on the body. It should be noted that the drug contains live BCG mycobacteria, therefore, a reaction to BCG vaccination invariably occurs. What such manifestations may look like is clearly demonstrated by photographs of the reaction to the BCG vaccination.

During the normal course of the process, a specific reaction appears at the site into which the vaccine is injected intradermally; a papule with a diameter of 5-10 mm develops. If vaccination was carried out on newborns, a normal reaction will appear after 4-6 weeks. Reverse development of the reaction occurs within 2-3 months, sometimes it is a longer process. During revaccination, the development of a local reaction is observed 1-2 weeks after administration of the drug.

Complications after vaccination may occur at different times after administration of the drug. Symptoms of the consequences of BCG complications are most often observed in the first six months after administration of the vaccine.

In general, complications in newborns and older children can be severe or mild. Heavy complications after vaccination in newborns are associated with generalization of infection. Lungs arise due to non-compliance with the technique of administering the drug or its poor quality.

The most common manifestation after vaccination and revaccination is cold abscesses, and lymphadenitis . The manifestation of lymphadenitis is often associated with the quality of the drug, dosage, and administration technique.

The development of cold abscesses is noted if the vaccine gets under the skin during administration. The quality of the drug also influences the development of such negative manifestations. If a cold abscess was discovered untimely, then it opens spontaneously after the graft has festered. As a result, an ulcer appears at this place. A photo of a cold abscess after BCG clearly demonstrates the features of this complication.

If local reactions after vaccination occur very violently, a infiltrate. Subcutaneous infiltration occurs due to too deep administration of the vaccine. It is important to consult a specialist in a timely manner so that the infection does not have time to move into the bloodstream.

It is also possible that keloid scar , as consequences of chronic inflammation in the proliferation stage. This complication occurs relatively rarely, but it should be taken into account that this complication more often occurs in newborns.

Very rarely appears as a complication osteitis , that is, bone tuberculosis. This disease can appear 0.5 - 2 years after immunization; it, as a rule, indicates serious disturbances in the functions of the child’s immune system.

In rare cases, a child may experience a slight increase in body temperature after an injection, most often this is a small, short-term increase.

If these and other side effects develop, it is important to immediately contact a specialist.

Instructions for use (Method and dosage)

The instructions for the vaccine stipulate that the drug is administered to a person three times in his life. The first vaccination is carried out 3-7 days after the child is born, followed by BCG vaccination at 7 years of age. After this, the vaccine is given at 14 years of age.

In this case, the connection between BCG and Mantoux should be taken into account: revaccination at 7 years of age and at 14 years of age is carried out only if the Mantoux test is negative. Also, revaccination is not carried out in areas where there is a relatively low prevalence of the disease.

If a child has contraindications, the vaccine can be administered to him if his condition returns to normal. Before administering the drug, the child must undergo the Mantoux test. If the test is negative, vaccination should be carried out as soon as possible. If the test is positive, the vaccine is not administered.

Do not use syringes whose expiration date has expired. After the injection, the syringe, needle and used cotton swabs should be soaked in a disinfectant solution, after which all this should be destroyed. Before use, the ampoules must be carefully inspected and determined whether they have been damaged or whether the expiration date has expired.

The vaccine, which has already been dissolved, must be protected from exposure to sunlight; it can be stored after dilution for one hour. Unused vaccine is destroyed at a temperature of 126 degrees by autoclaving.

The drug should be injected into the outer side of the left shoulder. The location is determined so that the vaccine is administered at the border between the upper and middle third of the arm. It is very important to administer the medicine intradermally; other methods of administration are unacceptable. Provided that for certain reasons it is not possible to administer the vaccine into the shoulder, you can choose another place with thick skin. Most often in this case it is injected into the thigh.

BCG should only be administered using a disposable syringe, and the needle should have a short bevel. To prevent complications, you need to administer the drug correctly. Before inserting it, the skin needs to be stretched, and then a little solution is injected. If the needle was inserted intradermally, then the entire solution is injected. Next, a white papule appears at the injection site, which is 5 to 10 mm in diameter. It disappears after 15-20 minutes.

As a rule, BCG and BCG-M vaccines are administered in the maternity hospital or in the clinic where the child is observed. After vaccination, you should carefully care for the area where the drug was administered. Under no circumstances should you lubricate this area of skin with antiseptics.

Please note that there are normal reactions after a child is given a vaccine. So, if the vaccine in a newborn turns red, this indicates the normal course of the process.

After a newborn has been vaccinated, a normal reaction in an infant appears after 1-1.5 months. After repeated administration of the vaccine to children aged 7 and 14 years, the reaction develops earlier, after 1 or 2 weeks. After the reaction develops, you should not rub or scratch the area; you should wash the child very carefully.

The vaccination reaction is as follows: a pustule or papule is formed, and slight suppuration is noted in the place where the vaccine was administered. Gradually, after 2-3 months, the wound heals. A small scar should remain at the site of this wound. If there is none, it means the vaccine was administered incorrectly. The wound can take up to 4 months to heal.

Overdose

When an excessive amount of vaccine is administered, the likelihood of developing purulent lymphadenitis increases. Subsequently, too large a scar may also form.

Interaction

Other preventive vaccinations can be given only at intervals of one month before or after the administration of the tuberculosis vaccine. The only exception is vaccination against viral hepatitis B .

Terms of sale

You can get vaccinated in the maternity hospital after the birth of the child or in the clinic.

Storage conditions

The drug should be stored or transported at a temperature not exceeding 8 degrees.

Best before date

Can be stored for 2 years. After this, the vaccine is unusable.

special instructions

When deciding whether or not to vaccinate their child with BCG, parents should carefully read the recommendations given by experienced pediatricians (for example, Evgeny Komarovsky and others).

All arguments should be taken into account, clearly understanding what the BCG vaccination is for and what the risk will be if parents deliberately refuse to have it.

After vaccination, a child’s immunity can last for about 5 years. To maintain immunity, revaccination is carried out.

The Mantoux test is performed on a vaccinated child according to a schedule and allows you to determine what the child’s anti-tuberculosis immunity is at the moment.

Vaccination and revaccination should be carried out only by specially trained physicians working in specialized medical institutions. It is prohibited to administer the vaccine at home.

Before vaccination in the clinic, the child must first be examined by a specialist.

Analogues

There are TB vaccine options. The difference between BCG and BCG-M is the content of microbial bodies in the composition. The BCG-M vaccination contains a smaller amount of them; it is also used for specific prevention of tuberculosis, but it is used when gentle immunization is necessary - for premature babies, weakened children, etc.

For children

It is used for vaccination of patients in childhood - on the 3rd - 7th day after birth, at 7 and 14 years of age.

It is important to adhere to the vaccination calendar and all rules for administering the drug.

Newborns

Newborns, depending on their condition, receive BCG or BCG-M vaccines in the maternity hospital.

Collapse

Tuberculosis is a serious lung pathology that is difficult to treat. Every newborn baby is vaccinated a few days after birth in the maternity hospital. How the vaccination site heals is of interest to many mothers. Vaccination is considered difficult and dangerous for children. Even in the absence of negative manifestations, healing occurs over a long period of time and is characterized by the replacement of some signs by others. It is important to know what is normal and when to sound the alarm.

How does BCG heal?

The vaccine is aimed at developing immunity against the causative agent of tuberculosis. The vaccine is given in the shoulder by injecting the drug intradermally. The reaction to vaccination does not appear immediately, but after some time.

At the site of vaccine administration, an abscess begins to develop, which after some time becomes covered with a crust and heals. This whole process takes quite a lot of time.

How long does the BCG vaccine take to heal?

It is possible to notice the body's reaction to the administered vaccine only after a few weeks. The vaccine reaction may last longer 4-5 months. If a pustule with suppuration appears at the injection site, do not panic - this reaction is within normal limits.

Over the course of several more months, the vaccination site will undergo changes. How long does the BCG vaccination take to heal? It will take about a year for a scar to appear, indicating a correctly administered vaccination and developed immunity, but the duration of the process may vary for different children. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the body and other factors.

The healing process is normal: in the first weeks and thereafter

If the drug is administered correctly and there are no contraindications at the time of vaccination, the healing period should proceed without complications. How does BCG heal? The whole process looks like this:

After administration of the drug, a papule forms at the injection site. Its color can vary from white to red-violet. Adjacent areas of skin on the arm should remain normal color. A rise in body temperature after vaccination is also considered normal.
After about 30-45 days, the injection site begins to turn red.
Next, a blister appears, filled with liquid and purulent contents, resembling an inflamed pimple.
Pus begins to flow out of the wound and forms again.

The peak of suppuration is followed by the formation of a crust. It cannot be disturbed or disrupted.
After a few months, the healing process ends and a small scar forms at the vaccination site, which indicates that the vaccination was effectively carried out.

The duration of the healing process directly affects the degree of acquired immunity. The more time has passed from the moment of vaccination to the formation of a scar, the stronger the immunity. This is also evidenced by the size of the scar.

Photos of healing by month

It is important for mothers to know what the vaccination site should normally look like some time after vaccination. Photos by month will help you figure this out and not panic prematurely. In about a month you will see this picture:

The color may also be lighter or darker.

After two months, the picture changes and with the appearance of an abscess, many mothers fall into panic. But this reaction is quite normal and correct.

As it heals, the scab will fall off and the healing process will end with the formation of a scar.

The duration of each stage may differ slightly for different children, but the sequence is always maintained.

Possible deviations and complications in healing

Vaccination against tuberculosis can be carried out in violation of the drug administration technique, which leads to deviations in the healing process. For example, if too much purulent fluid is produced, it may be suspected that the nurse administered the vaccine subcutaneously rather than intradermally.

The absence of suppuration can also be considered a deviation from the norm. This means that the vaccine is injected too deep into the layers of the skin and an abscess is formed there. This condition is more dangerous because it can provoke the development of an abscess.

Most children tolerate the vaccine normally and end up with the formation of stable immunity against tuberculosis, but complications also occur. They are most often characteristic of children who have a congenital decrease in immunity, for example, if the mother is HIV-infected.

Possible complications include the following:

Abscess formation when the vaccine is administered too deeply. In such situations, surgical intervention is required.
Formation of a large ulcer at the injection site. This indicates an increased sensitivity of the body to the components of the drug. Local therapy will be required.
When mycobacteria spread to the lymph nodes, an inflammatory process develops in them. If there is an increase of more than a centimeter, then surgical treatment is required.
At the site of vaccination, it is not a scar that forms, but a keloid scar. In such situations, repeated vaccination at 7 years of age is not given.
In case of severe immune disorders, a generalized BCG infection develops in the child’s body.
After 1-2 years, there is a danger of developing bone tuberculosis with a weak immune system.

Sometimes scar formation does not occur after vaccination. This may indicate that immunity has not been formed or the vaccine was administered incorrectly.

Sometimes the absence of a scar is associated with innate immunity against tuberculosis.

In such situations, Mantoux is given; if a negative result is obtained, the vaccination is repeated.

What to do if BCG does not heal?

The healing process is long and the duration may vary for each baby. Some mothers panic if after three months a festering wound remains, there is redness and the baby periodically has a fever.

The whole process can take up to one year, and if the BCG does not heal after a long time, then you should see a doctor. In some babies, suppuration may end with the formation of a crust, and then begin again with renewed vigor. Most often this is within the normal range and no intervention is required. Sometimes the cause of this condition is infection getting into the wound and scratching it. To avoid this, you can cover the injection site with a napkin.

Mommies should worry if more than six months have passed, and the completion of the scarring process is not even visible. The vaccination site looks very inflamed, there is an extensive abscess. In such situations, you should not do anything on your own; it is better to visit a pediatrician who will find out the reasons for the long healing process and tell you what to do.

Now mothers themselves have the right to decide whether to vaccinate their baby or not. But we must always remember that by refusing vaccination, the child’s health is at great risk. It is better to experience some inconvenience after vaccination than to then deal with long and difficult treatment for tuberculosis.