Events following BCG vaccination during neonatal period and factors that might affect potency and side effects

Journal Title: Journal of Vaccines & Immunization - Year 2013, Vol 1, Issue 1

Abstract

Introduction: In Sri Lanka, BCG vaccine is given during neonatal period. There are many myths regarding BCG vaccine and sequelae of vaccination are not clearly documented in medical literature. Objectives: Objectives of this study were to describe the sequelae of BCG vaccination and to find out the scientific basis of beliefs related to it. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out at Ragama teaching hospital and two private hospitals in Gampaha district. 125 babies each from government and private sector were recruited, with consent from parents. Vaccine was administered by a consultant Paediatrician. Vaccine site was cleaned with 70 % alcohol and allowed to dry before vaccination. All babies were bathed on same day. Babies were followed up until a scar was detected. Results: Only 182 babies completed the follow up and all babies developed a scar. Time taken for a reaction varied, but all babies had a reaction by 8 weeks and a scar by 14 weeks. None had fever or other adverse reactions attributable to the vaccine. Conclusions: Cleaning the vaccination site with alcohol, bathing and time of vaccination has no influence on side effects or efficacy of the vaccine. BCG is a safe vaccine provided correct technique of administration is employed.

Authors and Affiliations

Perera PJ, Ranathunga N, Samaranayake GB

Keywords

Related Articles

Routine immunization services in Africa: back to basics

National immunization programmes were created as a sequel to smallpox eradication when countries undertook mass immunization campaigns and other control measures to fight the disease. As smallpox came near to eradication...

Hospital epidemiology and costs of pertussis in France: A retrospective database analysis

Background: Pertussis vaccination coverage remains unsatisfactory in adults in France and pertussis is the leading cause of death due to bacterial infection in infants up to 3 months of age, whom are most often infected...

Silk-based microneedle transdermal immunization with EV71 vaccines elicits potent immune responses in mice

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), caused by EV71 viral infection, has emerged as a serious public health concern in the Asia-Pacific region. The lack of effective treatment has led to a focus on controlling EV71 epid...

Impact of strategies and activities for reducing morbidity and mortality of vaccine-preventable diseases in Oman: A status report

Immunization is the only child survival strategy which alone averts two to three million deaths each year. This has been possible because of high coverages achieved by many countries in the world. Still nearly 1.5 millio...

Influenza and pneumococcal vaccination in hospitalized adults with pandemic (H1N1) 2009: Immunization practices and impact on clinical presentation and outcomes

The purpose of this study was to determine vaccination rates against influenza and pneumococcus in a large cohort of adults hospitalized with confirmed influenza A(H1N1) pdm09 infection, and to identify differences in cl...

Download PDF file
  • EP ID EP566988
  • DOI 10.14312/2053-1273.2013-1
  • Views 52
  • Downloads 0

How To Cite

Perera PJ, Ranathunga N, Samaranayake GB (2013). Events following BCG vaccination during neonatal period and factors that might affect potency and side effects. Journal of Vaccines & Immunization, 1(1), 1-5. https://europub.co.uk/articles/-A-566988