BCG or vaccine Bacillus Calmette–Guérin is a vaccine to prevent tuberculosis or tuberculosis. TB is caused by a bacterial infection Mycobacterium tuberculosis. BCG vaccine is one type of vaccination that must be given to children.
BCG vaccine is derived from bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis which has been weakened. This BCG vaccine injection will help the body recognize and form immunity against this bacterium. In addition to preventing tuberculosis, the BCG vaccine can also be used as immunotherapy for bladder cancer.
BCG vaccine trademark: BCG Vaccine, BCG Vaccine SSI, Dry BCG Vaccine
What's that BCG Vaccine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Vaccine |
| Benefit | Prevent tuberculosis |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| BCG vaccine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. The drug should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. It is not known whether the BCG vaccine is absorbed into breast milk or not. Consult with your doctor before using this medicine. |
| Drug form | Inject |
Warning Before UndergoVaccinebreastmilk BCG
The BCG vaccine will be given by a doctor or medical officer at a health facility. Note the following points before undergoing vaccination with the BCG vaccine:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. The BCG vaccine should not be given to people who are allergic to this vaccine or to any of the ingredients in the vaccine product.
- Tell your doctor if you have a weakened immune system due to HIV and AIDS, leukemia, lymphoma, or cancer
- Tell your doctor if you or someone you live in the same household has tuberculosis or is taking anti-tuberculosis drugs.
- Tell your doctor if you are undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy, or have recently received an organ transplant.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any supplements, herbal products, or medications, including antibiotics or corticosteroids.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose after using the BCG vaccine.
Dosage and Giving ScheduleBCG Vaccine
BCG vaccine is one type of vaccination that must be given to children. In accordance with the immunization schedule issued by IDAI (Indonesian Pediatrician Association), the BCG vaccine injection schedule can be carried out from newborns to 1 month of age.
For tuberculosis endemic areas, infants who have not received BCG vaccination after 3 months of age, are advised to do a tuberculin test first.
The dose prescribed by the doctor will be adjusted to the age and condition of the patient, as well as the intended use of the drug. The following is a breakdown of the general doses of the BCG vaccine:
Purpose: Prevent tuberculosis
- Mature: 0.2–0.3 ml is given by injection into the skin.
- Children >1 month old: 0.2–0.3 ml of the drug is mixed with 1 ml of sterile water which is then injected into the skin.
- child age<1 month: 0.2–0.3 ml of the drug is mixed with 2 ml of sterile fluid which is then injected into the skin.
Purpose: As immunotherapy for bladder cancer
- Mature: Administration can be done within 7-14 days after the results of the biopsy come out. The medicine will be inserted into the bladder through a urinary catheter. It will be given in a cycle.
Method GivingBCG Vaccine
The BCG vaccine will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The method of administration is by injection in the upper arm. As immunotherapy in bladder cancer, the vaccine will be inserted into the bladder through a catheter.
Make sure you cover the area where the BCG vaccine was injected with gauze for at least 24 hours after getting vaccinated. After 2–3 months of administering the BCG vaccine, your doctor may ask you to have a Mantoux test. This test is done to check whether the administration of the BCG vaccine is effective or not.
BCG Vaccine Interaction with Other Drugs
The effects of drug interactions can occur if the BCG vaccine is used with certain drugs, for example:
- Increased risk of infection if used with immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids or ciclosporin
- Decreased therapeutic effect of BCG vaccine when used with immunoglobulins, such as cytomegalovirus immune globulin (CMV IG) or hepatitis B immune globulin (HBIG).
- Decreased effectiveness of BCG vaccine when used with antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin or gentamicin
Side Effects and Dangers BCG Vaccine
The BCG vaccine is safe and rarely causes harmful side effects. Common side effects are pain at the injection site and dry or scaly skin. Check with your doctor if these side effects do not subside.
You should also see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Pus, ulcers, or abscesses appear in the area of the skin that was injected
- The injection area is still swollen after 2-3 days
- Swollen lymph nodes
- High fever (temperature 39° Celsius)
- No appetite
- Weight loss
- Pain to the bone
- Body feels very tired