Effects of low birth weight on time to BCG vaccination

Immunization is a cost effective way of preventing childhood infections. WHO recommends the BCG vaccination against tuberculosis. Statistics for Kenya show that the BCG vaccine usually given at birth or at first clinical contact is high. Timeliness of a vaccine remains imperative, Studies have shown that while vaccines like the BCG may have non-specific beneficial effects, the benefits can be realized more when received on time.
This paper seeks to understand the effects of low birth weight on time to BCG vaccination
The study was carried out in an informal settlements in Nairobi, data from the Maternal and Child Health project . All women from the area who gave birth since September 2006 were enrolled in the study. Survival analysis techniques were used to assess any differences in the time taken before a child receives a BCG vaccine. A total of 4415 children were included in the analysis. Among the children with a birth weight from a card 6% were LBW. 98% of the children in the study had received a BCG vaccination.