We were used to offer BCG vaccine to healthy term infants upon discharge from the birth hospital. When it comes to preterm ones the discharge point was used as an acceptable cutoff point. However, some may stay for quite a long time in the birth hospital or rehabilitation center. Do you suggest any other cutoff point? Any supporting evidence?
We administer BCG when the weight has approached 2kg. Some times it takes up to 6 weeks for some of these babies to reach that weight and in that case we combine BCG with other vaccines that are due at 6 weeks ( BCG/OPV/Hep B).
we usually give BCG at the time of discharge, getting the child back for vaccination is difficult
We wait for the 34 week gestation mark for administering BCG. Till now no problems have been encountered.
We follow a wt criteria of 1.8 Kg. When baby achieves that age then only BCG vaccine is given.
Once 35 weeks gestation has been reached regardless of weight BCG is given in Ireland.
thank you all for your insightful answers. it seems everyone agrees that BCG needs to be given, when indicated, upon discharge provided the cutoff point is reached. whereas giving BCG while infant is still hospitalized is NOT advocated.
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Medicine
- Disease
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunization
- Vaccination
- Vaccines