A nurse prepares to give BCG vaccine to a 2-week-old neonate at a health centre. What is the correct dose and route of administration?
- A 0.1 mL intradermally over the left deltoid
- B 0.05 mL subcutaneously over the left deltoid
- C 0.05 mL intradermally over the left deltoid ✓
- D 0.1 mL intramuscularly over the anterolateral thigh
Correct answer: C. 0.05 mL intradermally over the left deltoid
Explanation
Under the National Immunization Schedule, infants below 12 months receive BCG 0.05 mL intradermally at the insertion of left deltoid using a 26G needle. Children aged 12 months or older receiving BCG (for example during catch-up) get 0.1 mL intradermally. Subcutaneous or intramuscular injection increases the risk of local complications such as abscess and lymphadenitis and gives inadequate protection.
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.