A 5-year-old fully immunized child presents with no scar at the BCG vaccination site. The child received BCG at birth. The most appropriate next step is:

• A Repeat BCG vaccination immediately
• B Give a booster dose of BCG regardless of scar status
• C Assume natural immunity and no further action needed
• D Perform Mantoux test; give BCG only if negative ✓

Explanation

Under UIP guidelines, absence of a BCG scar at 6 months or later warrants a Mantoux test. If Mantoux is negative, BCG is repeated. If Mantoux is positive, the child is considered sensitized by natural infection or prior BCG and BCG is not repeated. Repeating BCG without Mantoux testing is not recommended because hypersensitivity reactions can occur in already sensitized children.

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.