Refresher training in administering intradermal BCG-vaccine increased BCG-scarring rates in rural Guinea-Bissau.
Julie Odgaard Vedel, Oides Furtado, Laerte Lima Almeida, Jailson Sydenei Dias Martins, Sanne Møller Thysen, Andreas Møller Jensen, Igualdino Da Silva Borges, Ane Bærent Fisker
Vaccine · 2025-05
Abstract
BACKGROUND: A correct vaccination technique is important for developing BCG scars. Having a BCG scar is associated with lower mortality among BCG-vaccinated children.
AIM: To compare BCG-scar prevalences among children vaccinated before and after refresher training in BCG vaccination technique.
METHODS: BCG-scar prevalence is assessed through a health and demographic surveillance system in rural Guinea-Bissau. In the context of a randomised trial, staff at health facilities in three regions (intervention area) received refresher training on BCG vaccination technique. In a fourth region (control area) no training was implemented. In logistic regression models, we compared scar prevalence among children vaccinated before and after the training.
RESULTS: BCG-scar prevalence increased from 75 % to 92 % (odds ratio (OR) = 4.19, 95 %CI 2.92-6.01) in the intervention area and from 71 % to 78 % (OR = 1.43, 95 %CI 0.89-2.29) in the control area (p-value for same increase: <0.001).
CONCLUSION: BCG scarring rates increased after training in vaccination technique.
MeSH terms
- Humans
- BCG Vaccine
- Guinea-Bissau
- Female
- Male
- Rural Population
- Cicatrix
- Infant
- Vaccination
- Injections, Intradermal
- Prevalence
- Tuberculosis