Do we need to repeat the BCG vaccine for our son?
Prof HPS Sachdeva
Prof HPS Sachdev,
Senior Consultant Pediatrics,
Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research,
New Delhi
Prof HPS Sachdev,
Senior Consultant Pediatrics,
Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research,
New Delhi
Q: My son is 5 years old. He was given the BCG vaccine at the age of one month. As per the doctor's advice, the Mantoux test has been done and found negative. The doctor advised taking BCG again. Is there a need to take the BCG vaccine again?
A:As per the Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, there is no need to repeat BCG vaccine in your child. The immunity wanes with time but gets boosted with subclinical exposure from the community.