BCG vaccine for newborns
BCG vaccine · tuberculosis vaccine · TB vaccine for babies
A vaccine against tuberculosis. Your baby gets a small injection into the skin of the left upper arm, usually at the maternity hospital.
For newborns in the first days of life, unless there is a reason not to.
⏱ Duration: the shot takes a few seconds; the mark on the arm usually heals in 2 to 4 months
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Consent. At the maternity hospital, you will be asked to sign a consent form.
- Questions. Ask the doctor if you want to know about reasons not to vaccinate.
- If it was not given. If the vaccine was postponed at the hospital, it will be given at the clinic.
What to bring
- Your baby's documents, if the vaccine is given at the clinic
- The hospital discharge papers
How it goes
- The doctor examines your baby
- The nurse wipes the skin on the left upper arm
- The vaccine is injected into the skin with a thin needle
- A small white bump appears. It soon goes away
- The vaccine is recorded in the documents
What you'll feel
- Your baby may cry briefly
- After 4 to 8 weeks, a small lump or tiny pimple appears at the spot. This is normal
- Then a scab and a small scar
Afterwards
- Do not put anything on the spot or cover it
- Do not touch or squeeze the scab
- You can bathe your baby, just do not rub the arm with a washcloth
- Show the scar to the pediatrician at a checkup
Contact a doctor straight away if
- A large sore over 1 cm at the spot, or very red skin around it
- A swollen lump in the left armpit
Common questions
Is it normal to have a pimple on the arm?
Yes, that is expected after a month or two. Do not treat it with anything.
Why is there no scar?
That happens. Show the arm to your pediatrician, who will say what to do.