Reaction To BCG Vaccine Advice Please
6 Replies
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi there! I'm new to this forum. My baby is 5 weeks and has had a reaction to her BCG, which she was given when she was born. It came up as a red lump last week, then it formed a yellow head, which burst when I was dressing her. Do I need to do anything to it? It it safe to bath her? I don't know what to do. Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What does BCG stand for I've never heard of it?
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
April, it's for TB. I really don't have any idea why this vaccine was administered, but Petula this is certainly not a question for this forum but for your pediatrician. I suggest you call them ASAP. I don't think it's anything life threatening, but it should be looked at.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
They don't vaccinate against TB in Amaerica?! BCG is given to all babies in England because TB is making a comeback. They say it's due to the amount of imigrants here that weren't vaccinated in their own countries. It's also spreading amoung the homeless comunities. Nadya was given it before we left hospital.
|
 | TC - November 26 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Children only get the BCG vaccine in the US if they have had a negative reaction to the Tb test. And even that happens after the treatment of TB was unsuccesful or if the child has the strain that is resistant to the drugs in the vaccination. Health care workers are recommened to get vaccinated against TB for obvious reasons. There are some professions where you have to be tested annually for the infection. I am a childcare worker so I get tested annually like clockwork. If I don't get tested then I won't be allowed to work.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Here are a couple of sites, both said the red lump was a "normal reaction", but none mentioned the yellow head. The injection site (red lump or ulceration) would heal possibly leaving a scar. One site mentioned some oozing is to be expected and should be covered with a dry dressing. Also mentioned was scarring caused by the injection was less noticable when BCG given in infancy. Adverse reactions occur when the vaccine is given under the skin rather than in the muscle. BBK gave the best advice when he said speak to your doctor. Best of luck.
http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23068684/
http://www.immunisation.nhs.uk/article.php?id=221
http://www.who.int/vaccines-doc_ments/DocsPDF99/www9943.pdf
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lissi, BCG is not routinely administered. TC explained well the current practice. It's funny you mentioned about a "comeback". When Anna was born I heard there was an outbreak in my office and we had to get tested... kinda freaky. Some co-worker got it from her kids who in turn got it from some other (newcomer) kids. I wouldn't be surpise if we get more aggressive with TB stateside.
|
