Rotavirus vaccine (Rotavac) is included in India's UIP schedule. A 6-week-old infant is brought for the first dose. Which IMNCI-based contraindication would DEFER this vaccination today?

• A Active watery diarrhea ✓
• B Low-grade fever of 38.0°C
• C Mild cough and cold without fast breathing
• D Premature birth at 34 weeks, now weight 2.1 kg

Explanation

Active diarrhea is a recognized deferral criterion for oral rotavirus vaccine because active gastrointestinal illness may reduce vaccine virus replication and seroconversion, and also because it is difficult to distinguish a true vaccine response from ongoing illness. Premature infants should receive all routine vaccines at the same chronological age as term infants regardless of gestational age. Low-grade fever and mild upper respiratory infections are not valid contraindications.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.