TB Vaccine When to Take BCG Vaccine?

What is BCG vaccine used for?

The BCG vaccine provides immunity against a deadly disease like TB. This vaccine is especially given to those people who are at high risk of getting TB. This vaccine is also given for the prevention of bladder tumour or its cancer.

Apart from this, this vaccine is also given for many diseases. Be sure to contact your doctor for more information.

What is BCG Vaccine?

The BCG vaccine is mainly used to prevent TB. It is given to babies who are more prone to TB. Along with this, in countries where TB and leprosy are common problems, it is recommended to vaccinate the BCG at the time of the birth of the baby. Not only this, BCG also provides protection against Buruli ulcer infection and other non-tuberculous mycobacteria infection. The BCG vaccine protects a person from TB infection for about 20 years.

When is the BCG vaccine administered?

The BCG vaccine is given to children under the age of six. If the infant or child is going to travel for three months to a country where the incidence of tuberculosis is up to 0.04 percent. Frequent visits to tuberculosis-infected countries. If a household member comes from a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis, the new born baby needs the BCG vaccine.

Right time to vaccinate BCG

A few days after the birth of the baby to six months is considered the right time to be vaccinated with BCG. However, you can still get the BCG vaccinated until the child is five years old. If your baby is over six months of age, then you can get tested for TB in your baby. Based on the test report, it is determined whether the baby will be given the BCG vaccine or not.

Who should not get the BCG vaccine?

• A new born whose body mass is less than 2000 grams.
• Infants who are immune deficient since birth.
• A person who had TB in the past or currently.
• People with weakened immunity, such as a person infected with HIV or who are about to have an organ transplant.
• Female BCG vaccine should not be given in pregnancy. Even though BCG does not cause any harm to the fetus, there is still a need for further study on this topic.
• Patients suffering from kidney disease.
• BCG vaccine should also not be given to a person with severe disease.

How is the BCG vaccine taken?

Vaccine uses in TB

Your doctor will decide whether you need this vaccine. When it is used for TB, it is injected into the foreskin. After this the injected area has to be kept dry for about 24 hours. This part also has to be kept clean so that it can be known where the injection has been given.

This vaccine is given only once, but if it does not have the right effect, then it can be given again in the next two-three months. Its effect is detected by skin TB test.

Discovery of BCG Vaccine

The BCG vaccine is made from the weakest bacteria of Mycobacterium bovis. This bacterium is related to M. tuberculosis, the main cause of tuberculosis. This drug was prepared in 13 years (from 1908 to 1921). It was prepared by French bacteriologists Edbert Calmetti and Camille Guérin. Due to the names of both these bacteriologists, this vaccine was named Bacillus Calmette-guerin. This vaccine is given soon after birth to babies at high risk of TB. The BCG vaccine builds up the immunity of infants to protect against TB.

How is TB Vaccine administered?

The BCG vaccine is mainly kept in the refrigerator. This is done so that it does not spoil, but it is necessary to take care that the vaccine does not freeze. However, some other variants of this vaccine are treated differently. Instructions are given on each vaccine to keep it.

Warnings and Dangers

Things to know before taking BCG vaccine

• Women who are pregnant, nursing a new born or becoming a mother must seek medical advice before taking this vaccine.
• If you are taking any other medicines, consult a doctor. Sometimes the vaccine interacts with other drugs.
• Learn about the ingredients of the Bcz vaccine if you have any allergies.
• If you have any other serious illness or problem, then definitely seek the help of a doctor.

Side Effects

What are the side effects of BCG vaccine?

The side effects of BCG vaccine may be-

• swollen lymph glands
• Red spots and bumps at the vaccination site that may take days to months to go away
• Fever
• blood in urine
• pain in urination
• upset stomach
• vomiting

If you notice any of the following side effects, seek medical attention immediately. like-

• excessive red spots on the skin
• shortness of breath or swallowing
• wheezing sound

What to do if there is an overdose of this TB vaccine?

In such a situation, the first thing to do is to get help from an emergency facility. Whatever medicines you have taken while going to the hospital, keep their prescription with you.

What if I forget to take the vaccine?

If you forget to take a dose of the vaccine, take that dose without delay. However, after forgetting the dose, it is time for your second dose, so take the vaccine according to the schedule. Avoid taking double doses. Hope you liked this article. If you have any other question, you can ask here. We will try our best to answer all your questions in the comment box. You must share this article to make your near and dear ones aware of this information. Please consult an expert for more information.