BCG vaccine is given for the prevention of

RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Community Health Nursing

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Appeared in: RRB Staff Nurse Jaipur-6th June 2018

Explanation

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine used to prevent Tuberculosis (TB).
Its primary aim is to induce a benign, artificial primary infection that stimulates acquired resistance against subsequent infection with virulent tubercle bacilli.
It is particularly effective in preventing severe forms of childhood TB, such as tuberculous meningitis and miliary TB.
The vaccine is derived from an attenuated bovine strain of tubercle bacilli, with the 'Danish 1331' strain being recommended by the WHO.

Option A: Polio is a viral disease, and its prevention is through the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) or Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV), not the BCG vaccine.
Option C: Diphtheria is a bacterial infection prevented by the Diphtheria toxoid, which is usually administered as part of a combination vaccine like DPT or Pentavalent.
Option D: Tetanus is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani and is prevented by the Tetanus toxoid (TT), also found in the DPT or Pentavalent vaccine.

Visual 1: Chart - The National Immunization Schedule (India) to show when BCG and other primary vaccines are administered.
Visual 2: Diagram - An anatomical illustration showing the correct intradermal injection site for the BCG vaccine on the left deltoid.
Visual 3: Photo - A picture of the characteristic scar that forms at the BCG vaccination site, which is a sign of successful vaccination.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Purpose of the BCG vaccine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse must be knowledgeable about the National Immunization Schedule to ensure timely and correct administration of all vaccines, including BCG at birth.
Nurses play a crucial role in educating parents about the importance of the BCG vaccine in preventing severe TB in their children and explaining the normal reaction (papule, ulcer, scar) at the injection site to reduce parental anxiety.
What if? If a newborn is known to be HIV-infected, the BCG vaccine is contraindicated. In this case, the nurse must ensure the vaccine is not administered and document the reason, as the live bacteria can cause disseminated BCG disease in an immunocompromised child.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core subject of the question, which is the 'BCG vaccine'.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge about common vaccines and the diseases they prevent.
Recall that 'BCG' stands for Bacillus Calmette-Guérin.
Connect the BCG vaccine to its target disease, which is Tuberculosis (T.B.).
Evaluate the other options (Polio, Diphtheria, Tetanus) and recall the specific vaccines used for them (OPV/IPV, DPT, TT) to confirm they are incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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