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Optimum age of a child for BCG vaccination
V Vijayalakshmi1, S Kumar, A L Kiran
1Bhagwan Mahavir Medical Research Centre, Hyderabad.
Insights
Newborns and neonates mount a robust immunological response to BCG vaccination, with immunity persisting for at least one year. This supports the practice of early infant vaccination at birth.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatrics
- Vaccinology
Background:
- BCG vaccination is a crucial public health intervention for preventing tuberculosis.
- Understanding the immunological competence of newborns and neonates post-BCG vaccination is essential for optimizing immunization strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the immunological response of newborns and neonates to BCG vaccination.
- To determine the duration of BCG-induced immunity in infants up to one year of age.
Main Methods:
- In vitro leukocyte migration inhibition test (LMI) was employed.
- Tests utilized Phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and purified protein derivative (PPD).
- Infants aged 0-3 months were grouped by age at vaccination and time post-vaccination.
Main Results:
- Positive immune responses (% LMI (PPD)) were observed across all infant age groups, including newborns and neonates.
- No significant differences in immune response were found between newborns, neonates, and older infants.
- Immune responses remained positive and comparable for up to 12 months post-vaccination.
Conclusions:
- Newborns and neonates demonstrate immunological capability to respond effectively to BCG vaccination.
- The findings support the continuation of BCG vaccination at birth for sustained protection.
Abstract:
The objectives of this study were to evaluate whether a newborn or a neonate is capable of responding immunologically after BCG vaccination and to find out if this immunity persists for one year. Normal infants aged between 0 days-3 months brought to immunization centre were included in the study. In vitro leukocyte migration inhibition test was performed in these children using Phytohemagglutinin and purified protein derivative (PPD). They were grouped based on their age at vaccination, their LMI values and on the time interval after vaccination. The mean values of % LMI (PPD) in all the age groups were positive and there were no significant differences between the newborns, the neonates and other groups. The values were positive and comparable even after 12 months in all the groups. The percentage of infants with positive or negative values to LMI (PHA) and negative values to LMI (PPD) were also comparable at different time intervals in different age groups. The results suggest that newborns or neonates are as capable of eliciting a positive immune response after BCG vaccination, as older infants and the practise of vaccinating a child at birth could be continued.