BCG vaccine
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin · IAP / NIS
| When to give | At birth (or as early as possible up to 1 year of age) |
|---|---|
| Dose | 0.05 mL until 1 month of age; 0.1 mL thereafter. Each 1 mL of reconstituted vaccine contains 2×10⁶–8×10⁶ CFU of viable mycobacteria (freeze-dried, reconstituted with normal saline). |
| Route | Intradermal |
| Site | Left upper arm (over deltoid insertion) |
| Schedule / interval | Single dose. No booster recommended. |
Catch-up schedule
Can be given up to 5 years of age. Beyond infancy a pre-BCG tuberculin (Mantoux) test is advised; vaccinate only if negative.
Adverse events (AEFI)
Expected: papule → ulcer → scar over 2–3 months. Axillary lymphadenitis. Rare: suppurative adenitis, BCG abscess, disseminated BCG (immunocompromised).
Brands available in India
BCG-LAV, Tubervac (SII)
Special considerations
Contraindicated in defects of cell-mediated immunity / symptomatic HIV. A 5 mm wheal confirms correct intradermal technique. Absence of scar does not mandate re-vaccination. Store in freezer / 2–8°C, protect from light.
Common questions
When is the BCG vaccine given?
At birth (or as early as possible up to 1 year of age)
What is the BCG vaccine dose and route?
0.05 mL until 1 month of age; 0.1 mL thereafter. Each 1 mL of reconstituted vaccine contains 2×10⁶–8×10⁶ CFU of viable mycobacteria (freeze-dried, reconstituted with normal saline). Route: Intradermal. Site: Left upper arm (over deltoid insertion).
Can the BCG vaccine be given late?
Can be given up to 5 years of age. Beyond infancy a pre-BCG tuberculin (Mantoux) test is advised; vaccinate only if negative.
What are the side effects of the BCG vaccine?
Expected: papule → ulcer → scar over 2–3 months. Axillary lymphadenitis. Rare: suppurative adenitis, BCG abscess, disseminated BCG (immunocompromised).
Which BCG vaccine brands are available in India?
BCG-LAV, Tubervac (SII)
See the full IAP-ACVIP 2025 immunisation schedule →
About this page
Aligned with the IAP-ACVIP Recommended Immunization Schedule 2025 and compiled from standard paediatric references. Verify against the current product insert, the national schedule and your local protocol.
Spotted something wrong? Report an error on this page — corrections from clinicians are welcome and are reviewed before any change is published.
Last reviewed 2026-08-12.