BCG vaccination is usually administered within 24 hours after the baby’s birth, and the site of vaccination is the outer deltoid muscle of the upper arm. According to the regulations of our Ministry of Health, babies who have not received BCG vaccination can be directly replenished if they are not yet 3 months old. After BCG vaccination, the baby will have the corresponding vaccination reaction. The skin of the injection site will show small red nodules in about 1-2 weeks, which will grow gradually, with slight pain and itching, but no fever; pus blisters or ulcers will form in 6-8 weeks; scabs will start to form in 10-12 weeks, leaving a small, slightly red scar after the scabs fall off, and the red color will gradually turn into skin color later. Occasionally, there may be slightly enlarged lymph glands in the ipsilateral armpit, but this does not matter and will disappear on its own. Swollen lymph glands, mostly in the left axilla, but occasionally in the subclavian or neck area; they can usually be palpated under the skin at the site of occurrence as mobile enlarged lymph glands; if they have become septic, they are attached to the skin, and sometimes septic white spots appear locally. The main reason for the occurrence of swollen lymph glands is related to the individual’s constitution, and the younger the age of vaccination, the more likely it is to occur. In addition, it is also related to the type of vaccination or vaccination that is too deep, such as vaccination under the skin. If you have swollen lymph glands within three months of BCG vaccination, you can continue to observe them; if they are still swollen after three months, you need to go to the hospital for examination. What should I do if a pustule breaks? If there is a local pustule or ulcer at the vaccination site, there is no need to rub or bandage it. However, the area should be kept clean, pay attention not to get wet often, keep dry, and do not wear clothes that are too tight. If pus comes out, use sterile gauze or cotton to wipe it off, do not squeeze it, and it will naturally heal and scab in about 2-3 months on average. BCG vaccine is a slow-reacting vaccine, and no obvious local reaction will occur after vaccination. The whole process from the eye of the needle – no local signs – local redness – red pea sized packets – local pus – broken and flowing pus – scab – scab falling off – small scar (lasts for life) will last for several months and the scar will remain for life.
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