Under the National Immunization Schedule (India 2024), a child who missed his 9-month measles-rubella (MR) vaccine is brought at 15 months. Which is the correct catch-up schedule for this child?

• A Cannot give MR now; must wait until scheduled 16–24 month booster visit
• B Give MMR at 15 months; second dose when child turns 5 years at school entry
• C Give MR vaccine now at 15 months; second dose at 16–24 months (at least 4 weeks later) ✓
• D Give double dose of MR to compensate for missed 9-month dose

Explanation

Under the 'catch-up' principle of the National Immunization Schedule, if a child misses the 9-month MR dose, it should be given at the earliest opportunity (here at 15 months). The second MR dose — scheduled in the NIS at 16–24 months — should then be given at least 4 weeks (28 days) after the first dose. Thus, the child receives first dose now (15 months) and second dose at minimum 16 months (or later within the 16–24 month window, whichever comes later). Double dosing is never recommended as it does not improve immunogenicity. There is no reason to delay; vaccines not given at the scheduled visit should be administered at the next available contact.

Reference: Ghai Essential Pediatrics, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.