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BCG Vaccination
The BCG should not make your child ill on the day of the vaccination, but the vaccination site is sometimes a little sore and some children may feel feverish, get a rash, or have a swollen gland after two weeks.
Following your child’s BCG vaccination today, they may experience a small lump at the site of the injection that may ooze slightly. This should heal and form a small scab within a few weeks, which will eventually become a small flat scar (6-12 weeks).
Care of the injection site
Do not cover the site with a dressing unless excessive oozing occurs. It is important that the site is open to air. There is no need to protect the site with a dressing for bathing or showering.
However, a waterproof dressing may be used for a short period to permit swimming.
Further Immunisations
No other vaccine should be given in the same arm for three months.
If your child requires further immunisations during this time, please inform the doctor/nurse that they have had BCG.
Immunity and Travel
Your child should not come into contact with anyone with active Tuberculosis, or travel to a country that has a high incidence of Tuberculosis during the first six weeks, as full immunity is not achieved until then.
Contact Details
If your child has had a BCG vaccination at Doncaster Royal Infirmary (DRI) Children’s Outpatients Department, and you have any concerns, please contact the:
Children’s Outpatient Department:
01302 642673 (Monday to Friday 9.00am – 4.30pm)
Children’s Observation Unit (COU):
01302 642780 (between 4.30pm – 9.30pm Monday to Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 8.30am – 9.30pm)
Out of these hours, please call the Children’s Ward on:
01302 642773 (after 4.30pm – 9.00am 7 days a week)
If your child has had a BCG vaccination at Bassetlaw Hospital and you have any concerns please contact the Children’s Ward on:
01909 572284 (between 8.00am – 8.00pm, seven days a week)
Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)
The team are available to help with any concerns/complaints you may have about your experience at the Trust. Their office is in the Main Foyer (Gate 4) of Doncaster Royal Infirmary. Contact can be made either in person, by telephone or email.
The contact details are:
Telephone: 01302 642764 or 0800 028 8059
Email: dbth.pals.dbh@nhs.net
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