At a session site, a health worker prepares to give BCG vaccine to a newborn. Which route and injection site are correct?
- A Intradermal, right upper arm ✓
- B Intradermal, left upper arm
- C Subcutaneous, left upper arm
- D Intramuscular, anterolateral thigh
Correct answer: A. Intradermal, right upper arm
Explanation
BCG is given intradermally using a 26-gauge needle, 0.05 ml in infants below one year of age. Indian practice places it over the right deltoid, while all other injectable vaccines go into the left upper arm or thigh, so that any local reaction does not mask another. Subcutaneous or intramuscular BCG increases the risk of lymphadenitis and abscess formation.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 25th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.