When should newborns receive the BCG vaccine?
Apr 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
When newborns meet the vaccination criteria, the BCG vaccine should be administered within 24 hours of birth; if the criteria are not met, vaccination should be delayed. Full-term healthy newborns weighing more than 2.5 kg should receive the BCG vaccine within 24 hours of birth. For preterm infants or those with a birth weight less than 2.5 kg, BCG vaccination should be postponed until the infant's weight exceeds 2.5 kg or until they are in stable health condition.
When newborns meet the vaccination criteria, they usually receive the BCG vaccine within 24 hours after birth. If the criteria are not met, vaccination should be postponed. The details are as follows:
1. Vaccination within 24 hours after birth
Healthy full-term newborns weighing more than 2.5 kg should receive an intradermal injection of the BCG vaccine in the lower outer edge of the deltoid muscle on the left upper arm within 24 hours after birth, which helps prevent tuberculosis.
2. Postponing vaccination
For premature infants or newborns with a birth weight less than 2.5 kg, BCG vaccination should be delayed until the infant's weight exceeds 2.5 kg or until they are in a stable and healthy condition. Forced vaccination may lead to severe adverse reactions and could compromise the vaccine's protective efficacy.
After vaccination, the newborn's health condition should be closely monitored. If symptoms such as excessive crying or fever occur, prompt medical attention is required.
