BCG immunization is one of the immunizations which must be given to the baby. This immunization has an important function to prevent tuberculosis or TB, which is now better known as TB.
BCG stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guerin. The BCG vaccine in Indonesia is generally given to newborns or when the baby is 1 month old. If delayed, BCG vaccine is given no later than when the baby is 2−3 months old.
BCG Immunization to Prevent Tuberculosis
BCG immunization is made from attenuated Tuberculosis bacteria so that it will not cause the recipient of the vaccine to suffer from tuberculosis or TB. The bacteria used to produce the BCG vaccine are usually Mycobacterium bovis.
Giving the BCG vaccine will trigger the immune system to produce antibody-producing cells to protect the body from tuberculosis bacteria. BCG immunization plays an important role in preventing severe tuberculosis, including TB meningitis in children.
Tuberculosis is not only at risk of causing lung infections, but can also attack other body parts, such as joints, bones, brain membranes (meninges), skin, lymph nodes, and kidneys.
Tuberculosis is a dangerous disease and is easily transmitted through saliva splashes (droplets). When a TB patient coughs or sneezes, the germs that cause TB spread and infect other people who inhale the droplets.
Although almost similar to the way a cold or flu spreads, tuberculosis generally requires a longer contact time before a person can be infected.
Therefore, family members who live with TB sufferers have a higher chance of contracting TB disease, especially if the patient does not receive TB treatment or does not complete treatment.
Risk Eside effectBCG Immunization
After the baby has received the BCG immunization, there is no need to panic if blisters appear at the injection site. Not infrequently, the wound feels sore and bruised for several days.
After 2–6 weeks, the injection point may enlarge to nearly 1 cm in size and harden, leaving a small scar. Some babies may develop a more severe scar, but it usually heals after a few weeks. These scars are called BCG scars.
Although very rare, sometimes the BCG vaccine can cause dangerous side effects, namely anaphylactic reactions. To be aware of and prevent dangerous vaccine side effects, the vaccination process must be carried out by a doctor or trained medical officer.
The thing that Need to Pay Attention to Before BCG Immunization
The BCG immunization dose is 0.05 ml for infants under one year of age. Generally, the injection of BCG immunization is done in the upper arm. The arm should not be given other immunizations, for at least 3 months.
Although it is classified as mandatory immunization, there are several conditions for babies that make BCG immunization need to be postponed, such as:
- Fever
- skin infection
- Have a weak immune system, for example due to untreated HIV infection or side effects of drugs, such as immunosuppressant drugs
- History of allergy or anaphylactic reaction to BCG immunization.
- Have you ever had tuberculosis or lived in the same house with a tuberculosis patient who was not receiving treatment?
BCG immunization is an important measure to protect children's health from tuberculosis. However, make sure the baby is in good health before getting the BCG vaccine, yes.
If you want to make sure whether your little one can get the BCG vaccine or not, you can consult a doctor. Doctors can also recommend the best schedule for your little one for BCG immunization.