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Tuberculosis Vaccine (BCG)


Why is this procedure done?


This vaccine is used to protect someone from getting tuberculosis or TB. TB is an infection which most often happens in the lungs. It can also affect other parts of your body like the kidney, bones, and joints. It can also spread to your brain and cause meningitis. TB spreads from a sick person to others through coughing or sneezing. The TB vaccine is used most often in countries with high levels of TB. There may be other uses for this drug as well. ‚  

What will the results be?


Some people, mainly children, are more fully protected by this vaccine. For others, it will help lower the chance that a TB infection will spread from the lungs to other parts of the body. ‚  

What happens before the procedure?


Your doctor will take your history. Talk to the doctor about: ‚  
  • All the drugs you are taking. Be sure to include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, and herbal supplements. Tell the doctor about any drug allergy. Bring a list of drugs you take with you.
  • Any recent shots or if you have had a positive TB test result.
  • Serious illnesses. Be sure to talk about if you have a weak immune system or a disease that weakens the immune system, like HIV or lupus. Let the doctor know if you are on treatment for cancer or if you have had an organ transplant.
  • If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
  • Fever or skin irritation

Your doctor may also do a skin test before the procedure. ‚  

What happens during the procedure?


You will most often have this in a doctors office or clinic. You will be awake during the procedure. The staff will clean your upper arm where you will get the shot. The skin is stretched slightly and the drug is put just under your skin using a small needle. There will be a small raised area where you got the shot. This procedure takes only a few minutes. ‚  

What happens after the procedure?


You may go home right away. Your arm may feel a little sore for a few hours where the shot was given. Do not get any other vaccines in this arm for 3 months. ‚  

What care is needed at home?


You may do your regular activities at home. Keep the injected area clean and dry for 24 hours after the shot. In 2 to 6 weeks it is normal to notice some changes where the shot was given. First you will see a red spot. Then, it may become scaly and crusty. Finally, a round flat scar will appear. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about this. ‚  

What follow-up care is needed?


This is most often a one-time shot. If you do not have a good response, you may need to repeat the shot in 2 to 3 months. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚  

What problems could happen?


These problems may happen after your shot: ‚  
  • Swelling of arm and neck lymph nodes
  • Small red areas and soreness in the area of injection
  • Fever

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of a very bad reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; seizures; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat. Go to the ER right away.
  • Very bad skin rash
  • Open or pus-filled sore at injection site that will not heal
  • Flu-like signs that last more than 3 days

Where can I learn more?


Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/prevention/BCG.htm ‚  
Travel Health.co.UK ‚  
http://www.travelhealth.co.uk/bcg-vaccination/ ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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