Which rotavirus vaccine characteristics correctly distinguish Rotarix (RV1) from RotaTeq (RV5) in the Indian national immunization schedule?
- A Rotarix — live oral bovine-human reassortant; RotaTeq — live oral human strain G1P[8]
- B Both vaccines require 3 doses and have identical schedules
- C Rotarix — 2 doses at 6 and 10 weeks; RotaTeq — 3 doses at 6, 10, 14 weeks ✓
- D Rotarix requires parenteral administration; RotaTeq is oral
Correct answer: C. Rotarix — 2 doses at 6 and 10 weeks; RotaTeq — 3 doses at 6, 10, 14 weeks
Explanation
Rotarix (RV1, GlaxoSmithKline) is a live oral monovalent human rotavirus vaccine (G1P[8]) given as 2 doses at 6 and 10 weeks. RotaTeq (RV5, Merck) is a live oral pentavalent bovine-human reassortant vaccine given as 3 doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks. Both are oral. Under India's UIP, ROTAVAC (indigenously developed Bharat Biotech 116E strain) is used in 3 doses at 6, 10, 14 weeks. The key distinction between RV1 and RV5 is the number of doses (2 vs 3) and origin of strains.
Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.