Japanese encephalitis vaccination was introduced into the routine immunization programme of India in endemic districts. Which vaccine strain is used in the indigenous campaign and routine schedule?
- A Recombinant chimeric yellow fever-JE (IC51) vaccine
- B Inactivated Nakayama strain derived mouse brain vaccine
- C Live attenuated SA 14-14-2 strain ✓
- D Inactivated Vero cell derived Beijing P3 strain
Correct answer: C. Live attenuated SA 14-14-2 strain
Explanation
India uses the live attenuated SA 14-14-2 strain, manufactured in China and now produced indigenously, given subcutaneously at 9 completed months with a second dose at 16 to 24 months in endemic districts, plus catch-up campaigns for older children. IC51 (JEEV) is an inactivated Vero cell vaccine licensed in India for travellers and adults, not used in the public campaign. Mouse brain Nakayama vaccine is obsolete due to reactogenicity.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.