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Does Absence Of Scarring Post BCG Vaccination Denote Absence Of Immunity?

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Posted on Wed, 28 Jan 2015
Question: This is regarding the BCG vaccination. My son is vaccinated for BCG on December 9, 2014. There is saying as well as belief that child is immune using BCG only if there is scar on his hand. I checked many website which says so and we as parent also has that mark.

Please let me know whether I have to vaccinate him again.
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Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Scarring may be seen 8 to 12 weeks after vaccination

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Mr XXXXXXX

No revaccination is required. The scarring present at site of vaccination is delayed hypersensitivity reaction which usually occurs in many babies after 8 to 12 weeks post vaccination. So there is no reason to be worried. Absence of scarring also does not denote there is absence of immunity.

Efficacy of BCG vaccine ranges from 40 to 80 % only. In my clinical practise and also my observation in my daughter, I have seen reaction occurring 8 weeks after vaccination leading to scar formation.

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take Care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3195 Questions

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Does Absence Of Scarring Post BCG Vaccination Denote Absence Of Immunity?

Brief Answer: Scarring may be seen 8 to 12 weeks after vaccination Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXXXXX No revaccination is required. The scarring present at site of vaccination is delayed hypersensitivity reaction which usually occurs in many babies after 8 to 12 weeks post vaccination. So there is no reason to be worried. Absence of scarring also does not denote there is absence of immunity. Efficacy of BCG vaccine ranges from 40 to 80 % only. In my clinical practise and also my observation in my daughter, I have seen reaction occurring 8 weeks after vaccination leading to scar formation. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kaltari Consultant Pediatric Surgeon