BCG vaccination by bifurcated needle in a pilot vaccination programme.

The bifurcated needle technique for BCG vaccination was compared with intradermal injection in a mass BCG and smallpox vaccination programme in Afghanistan. In all population groups the bifurcated needle technique produced substantial tuberculin sensitivity, which however was significantly inferior to that following intradermal injection. The advantages of the bifurcated needle technique did not result in a significant increase in vaccination coverage and output. Under the present circumstances vaccination by bifurcated needle would probably be more expensive than intradermal vaccination.