BCG vaccine and AEFIs

"BCG is one of the safest and well-accepted vaccines."

1. Mild Side Effects & Local Reactions:
   • Pain: Mild pain at the injection site.
   • Swelling: Localized swelling around the injection area.
   • Redness: Redness at the site of injection.
   • These side effects are trivial and do not require medical attention.
2. Specific Local Reaction:
   • BCG causes a specific local reaction that starts as a papule (lump) two or more weeks after immunization, which becomes ulcerated and heals after several months, leaving a scar.
   • This is an expected response to the BCG vaccine.
3. Commonly Reported Severe Reactions:
   • Injection site abscesses: Formation of abscesses at the injection site.
   • Severe local reactions: Severe local reactions are commonly reported following BCG vaccination.