Question
Does the regional abscess and persistent discharge of pus after newborn BCG vaccination indicate a normal reaction?
Answer
After BCG vaccination, most children will experience regional reactions 3 to 4 weeks or 1 to 2 weeks after vaccination. This process includes redness, swelling, ulceration, formation of pus blisters, ulceration, and scab formation, with the scabs typically falling off around 3 months. This is a normal reaction to the BCG vaccination and indicates that the vaccination was effective. If such reactions do not occur, it may be necessary to consider booster shots.