Vaccines at 1 month: BCG & Oral Polio 1 (bOPV 1)
At 1 month your baby receives two vaccines at once: BCG against severe TB and Oral Polio 1 (bOPV 1) to open the polio series. Both are free at posyandu and puskesmas.
ⓘ This page is educational, not medical advice. For specific needs, consult your pediatrician or midwife.
Vaccines given at 1 month
-
BCG
- Protects against
- Severe childhood tuberculosis (TB), such as miliary TB and TB meningitis.
- How it is given
- Injection into the right upper arm, into the skin layers (intradermal).
- Side effects
- A small pustule appears at the injection site after 2–4 weeks, may ooze slightly, then heals leaving a small scar. This is a normal reaction, not an infection.
- Availability
- Free at posyandu and puskesmas.
- Note
- Most effective when given before 3 months of age; after 3 months it is generally not advised unless the child has had contact with a TB case.
-
Oral Polio 1 (bOPV 1)
- Protects against
- Poliomyelitis (polio), a virus that can cause permanent paralysis.
- How it is given
- Drops given directly into the mouth (oral).
- Side effects
- Almost no side effects; some babies are briefly fussy.
- Availability
- Free at posyandu and puskesmas.
- Note
- Avoid feeding (including nursing) for about 30 minutes before and after the drops so the vaccine is not spit up.
Why it matters at this age
Indonesia has a high TB burden; BCG is most effective at protecting infants from the severest forms of TB when given before 3 months. Oral polio builds immunity in the gut, where wild poliovirus enters, and supports Indonesia's polio eradication program.
What to bring to posyandu
Bring the KIA book or immunization card, and make sure your baby is well (no fever). Hold off feeding for about 30 minutes before and after the oral drops so the vaccine stays down. Coming early keeps the queue short.
Frequently asked questions
The BCG site turned into a small sore. Does it need treatment?
No. A small pus-filled sore on the right arm 2–4 weeks after BCG is a normal reaction that heals on its own and leaves a tiny scar. That is a sign the vaccine is working. Do not massage, medicate, or bandage it; just keep it clean and dry.
My baby has a mild cold. Can she still be vaccinated?
Yes. A mild cold or cough without fever is not a reason to postpone. Vaccination is only deferred when the baby has a high fever or is seriously ill. Posyandu staff will check your baby before injecting.
Why is polio given as drops instead of a shot?
Oral polio (bOPV) contains weakened virus and works directly in the gut, the entry point of wild poliovirus, so it also blocks transmission. The injectable IPV is still given at 4 months to strengthen blood-level protection.
Never miss a dose. Track it and get reminders
Mark given doses in the WeLoveOurBaby app and get automatic reminders for the next due date, calculated from your child's birth date.
Start tracking for freeNext age: 2 months
- Kemenkes RI, Ayo Sehat: childhood immunization routine schedule
- IDAI, Immunization Schedule for Children Aged 0–18 Years (2024 recommendation)
Last reviewed: 2026-08