Will a BCG vaccine always leave a scar?
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: I am an MBBS student and I want to know if a BCG injection leaves a scar? If the vaccine has less potency due to improper temperature maintenance, will there still be a scar? So, can the appearance of the scar be taken as a 100% proof that the body has taken up the vaccine and that the vaccine given was potent?
A:The appearance of a scar after BCG vaccination is taken as evidence of a successful uptake of the vaccine. If the potency of the administered vaccine is sub-optimal due to any reason (for example, improper temperature storage, less number of bacilli, improper reconstitution) or if it is improperly administered, there will be no scar formation.