BCG is a vaccine indicated for the prevention of tuberculosis and is usually administered soon after birth. This vaccine does not prevent the infection or the development of the disease, but it prevents the more severe forms of the disease, such as miliary tuberculosis and tuberculous meningitis, so it is part of the basic schedule of vaccination of the child. Learn more about tuberculosis.
The BCG vaccine is composed of bacteria of the Mycobacterium bovis BCG strain with diminished virulence (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin), which stimulate the body to produce antibodies against this disease.
The vaccine is provided by the Ministry of Health, and is usually administered at the maternity ward or at the health clinic. In hospitals or private clinics the vaccine can cost $ 90.00.
How to use
The BCG vaccine should be given directly to the upper layer of the skin by a trained doctor, nurse or health professional. Generally, for children under 12 months the recommended dose is 0.05 ml, and for adults and children over 12 months of 0.1 ml.
This vaccine is always applied to the right arm of the child, and the response to the vaccine takes 3 to 6 months to appear and is noticed when a small raised red spot appears on the skin, which develops into a small ulcer and finally a scar. Scar formation indicates that the vaccine was able to stimulate immunity in the baby. In addition, in some cases throughout life it is necessary to take a booster, especially for people who have had prolonged contact or living with tuberculosis infected.
Possible side effects
Usually the tuberculosis vaccine does not lead to side effects, however, swelling, redness and tenderness at the injection site, swelling of the lymph nodes, headache, muscle pain, and wounding at the site of injection can occur. When these side effects appear, it is recommended to go to the pediatrician for the child to be evaluated.
Contraindications
The vaccine is contraindicated for preterm infants or under 2 kg, and it is necessary to wait until the baby reaches 2 kg for the vaccine to be administered. In addition, people with allergies to some component of the formula, congenital or immunodepressed diseases, such as generalized infection or AIDS, for example, should not take the vaccine.
If the woman is pregnant or breastfeeding, has a serious health problem or is on treatment with some medicines, she should talk to her doctor before starting treatment.
