Early BCG Vaccine Boosts Survival of Low-Weight Babies

A new study from the Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER) has revealed that giving an early BCG shot for low birth weight babies within the first 48 hours of life can save lives. Researchers found that early vaccination not only reduced overall newborn deaths by 17% but also cut infection-related deaths by nearly half.

Why Early Vaccination Matters

The BCG vaccine , usually given to protect against severe tuberculosis, appears to do more than prevent TB. According to the JIPMER team, led by Dr. Bethou Adhisivam, Professor of Neonatology, the vaccine strengthens the immune system during the most fragile stage of life, the first few weeks after birth.
Traditionally, sick or fragile newborns weighing under 2,000 grams receive the BCG vaccine only when they are discharged from the hospital. This delay often leaves them unprotected at a time when they are most vulnerable to infections.

What the Study Found

The research, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), tracked 5,420 babies across multiple hospitals in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. It showed that:

Early BCG vaccination, given together with oral polio vaccine (OPV) in the first 48 hours, lowered overall neonatal mortality by 17%.
Deaths specifically caused by infections were reduced by almost 50%.
Statistically, one in every 21 babies who received the vaccine early survived, who otherwise might not have.

Dr. Adhisivam explained that this demonstrates the non-specific benefits of BCG, meaning it improves the body’s general immune response, not just protection against tuberculosis.

Conclusion

This landmark study highlights the need to rethink routine practices in neonatal care. By prioritising the early BCG shot for low birth weight babies, hospitals can offer a simple yet powerful intervention against preventable deaths.
As Dr. Adhisivam and colleagues emphasise, ensuring on-time vaccination may be a low-cost, high-impact step toward improving newborn survival rates in India and beyond.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.