Question

How long after the BCG vaccine can other vaccines be administered? Is there any bad interference if I get another vaccine in the same arm? (I asked my doctor about this. I said my child had the BCG vaccine in this arm, and it wasn’t even a month yet. The doctor said it’s fine; the BCG takes 4 to 6 weeks to become purulent, and it’s not even time yet…)

Answer

The doctor’s view is correct. According to regulations, one must wait for at least 4 weeks after the BCG vaccine has formed a regional scab before administering other vaccines at the same site. However, since there have been no regional reactions at the vaccination site of your baby, it is safe to administer vaccines like DTP or HIB. Please do not worry too much. Guidance: Most children will experience regional reactions again within 3 to 4 weeks after receiving the BCG vaccine, going through a process of redness, swelling, pus formation, ulceration, scab formation, and generally forming a scar within about 3 months. It is recommended to perform a PPD test on your baby after 3 months to confirm successful vaccination. Survival Care: If there is a pus blister or abscess at the vaccination site, keep it clean; do not wear tight clothes. If pus leaks out, use sterile gauze or cotton to wipe it clean; do not squeeze. On average, it takes about two to three months for scabs to form and fall off naturally.