BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guerin)

BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) is a vaccine given to babies to protect them from serious forms of Tuberculosis (TB) such as TB Meningitis (an infection of the brain) and Miliary TB (wide spread infection).

Site and dosage of the BCG vaccine

BCG is given at birth or as early as possible till one year of age. Dosage is 0.1ml  (0.05ml until 1 month of age)  and the route is intra dermal at upper left arm. A small pimple appears in 1-3 weeks and lasts up to 6-8 weeks. A small scar will remain when the vaccination heals.

Side effects of the BCG vaccine

• A drainage or a small scab over the site.  If the injection site is draining, put a dry gauze dressing on the area and allow it to dry and prevent the baby from scratching the area.  There is no need to put a band-aid, cream or ointment on the site.  It will normally resolve itself, usually within one to three months.
• On rare occasions, an abscess (painful swelling that contains pus), forms at the injection site and/or lymph glands in the armpit or neck can get larger.  If this happens let your nurse know.

OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine)

‍When OPV is given by mouth, the vaccine viruses reach the intestines where they must establish infection (vaccine virus "take") before an immune response may occur. Infection may or may not occur each time a dose is given by mouth, therefore multiple attempts are necessary to ensure the ’take’ of each type at least once. In this respect OPV differs from other live virus vaccines which require only one dose for immunising susceptible subjects.

Site and dosage of the OPV vaccine

OPV vaccine is given at birth or as early as possible within the first 15 days. The dosage is 2 drops and given orally.

Hepatitis B

This shot reduces the risk of your baby getting the disease from you or family members who may not know they are infected with hepatitis B. This vaccine protects your child from hepatitis B, a potentially serious disease.

Protects other people from the disease because children with hepatitis B usually don’t have symptoms, but they may pass the disease to others without anyone knowing they were infected.

There’s additional medicine that can help protect your newborn against hepatitis B; it’s called hepatitis B immune globin (HBIG). HBIG gives your baby’s body extra help to fight the virus as soon as your baby is born.

Site and dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine

Hepatitis vaccine is given at birth or as early as possible within 24 hours. The dosage is 0.5 ml and the route is intramuscular at anterolateral side of mid thigh.

Side effects of the hepatitis B vaccine

• Low fever (less than 101 degrees). 
• Sore arm from the shot.

Some factors to consider before and while getting the child immunised

• Do not skip any vaccination, follow the schedule religiously.
• Do not get any advanced vaccination.
• Seek advice before you travel with your child or children.
• Skip the vaccination in case the child has a serious health problem or ongoing fever.
• The child might get some fever post-immunization.
• Provide comfort to your child by singing, distracting or playing with them, etc.
• Do not panic during the vaccination, it can make the child frightful and hysteric.
• Check with your doctor before feeding the child before vaccination.