Tuberculosis is a highly harmful disease that is difficult to treat. However, this type of disease is preventable, and vaccination with BCG vaccine can achieve the purpose of prevention. BCG vaccine is a planned immunization vaccine and is free of charge, so newborns usually do not need to pay for the vaccination.

1. BCG Vaccine Price

According to the "Regulations on Vaccine Distribution and Preventive Vaccination" issued by the National Health and Family Planning Commission, all planned immunization vaccines, including injection fees, will no longer be charged during preventive vaccination. When children receive vaccines included in the planned immunization program, the vaccines are free of charge. Since BCG vaccine is included in the planned immunization program, it is free for newborns.

2. BCG Vaccination Timing

According to national literature reports, BCG vaccination is generally administered within 24 hours of birth. The rate of positive tuberculin tests after vaccination is often lower than that after vaccination several months after birth. However, if the vaccination is delayed for too long after birth, there is a concern that the baby may be infected with toxic tuberculosis bacteria during this extended period. In situations where the source of infection is widespread or there are tuberculosis patients in the family, earlier vaccination is preferred. On the other hand, young babies have limited opportunities to contact outsiders before they are one month old, meaning they have fewer opportunities to be infected with tuberculosis bacteria. If they are not vaccinated in the hospital at birth, they can be vaccinated at a nearby health clinic after one month. Babies who have not been vaccinated with BCG can receive catch-up vaccination directly if they are less than 3 months old. If they are between 3 months and 3 years old, a tuberculin (PPD) test is required, and if the result is negative, they can receive catch-up vaccination. Babies who are 4 years old or older are no longer eligible for catch-up vaccination. Regardless of when the baby receives the BCG vaccine, you should bring them to a designated health and epidemic prevention institution for a post-vaccination effect check 3 months later to ensure that the BCG vaccine has taken effect, which is known as BCG re-examination.