A health worker prepares to give BCG vaccine to a newborn. What is the correct dose, route and site of administration?

• A 0.05 mL intramuscularly in the right deltoid
• B 0.1 mL intradermally over the left deltoid ✓
• C 0.1 mL subcutaneously over the right deltoid
• D 0.5 mL intradermally over the left deltoid

Explanation

BCG is given as 0.1 mL intradermally over the left upper arm (left deltoid region) using a 26 gauge needle, inserted bevel upwards just below the skin surface. A correct injection raises a wheal. Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection causes local abscess and lymphadenitis and gives inadequate protection. The 0.05 mL dose applies to older children being revaccinated in some settings, not to routine newborn dosing in India.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.