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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.
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KEY WORDS: BCG VACCINATION, MASS BCG CAMPAIGN,
DIRECT BCG VACCINATION. |