BCG <<Back
 
 
126
TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF BCG VACCINATION CAMPAIGN
Kul Bhushan: Bull Dev Prev TB 1965, 11, 31-35.

During the 7th All India BCG Conference held at Ahmedabad in February 1965 various points regarding the technical aspects of BCG Campaign were put forward by the author of this article. The issues discussed were related to specific age group to be vaccinated; direct vaccination; vaccination of new-borns; techniques of testing, reading and vaccination; preservation of biologicals, Freeze-Dried vaccine; pilot and research studies; assessment and training.

Some of the suggestions given on the above aspects described briefly were: (1) Only 0-20 years might be taken up because that was the most vulnerable age group for infection from the natural sources. (2) Direct BCG vaccination in 0-20 years age group could be carried out in the first round followed by vaccination of population below 7 years of age (0-6 years) in the subsequent rounds. (3) Infant vaccination practiced at that time in some of the major cities only, would not contribute greatly to the control of tuberculosis unless it is extended to the rural areas also. (4) Results of vaccination should be exceedingly good provided vaccine was maintained properly, used within 2 weeks of manufacture, shaken well before opening, a drop ejected out before vaccination and proper dosage injected correctly. (5) The vaccine must be kept under refrigeration during storage, transport and use. (6) The personnel engaged in the use of Freeze-Dried vaccine had to be trained properly in its aseptic reconstitution. (7) Operational studies in respect of BCG work in cities; practicability and feasibility of setting up training centres in the states, assessment of programme by the states etc., were required to be undertaken. (8) Uniformity of techniques and procedures of BCG vaccination and proper assessment of Mass BCG Campaign by an independent agency would be required. The author in his article also stressed that no changes should be brought into operation without assessment.

KEY WORDS: BCG VACCINATION, MASS BCG CAMPAIGN, DIRECT BCG VACCINATION.
 
  <<Back