A 3-year-old child who has never been immunized is brought to the health center. According to the Indian UIP catch-up guidelines, which of the following is the MAXIMUM age up to which a child can still be given DTwP vaccine?

• A Under 2 years of age
• B Under 7 years of age ✓
• C Under 5 years of age
• D Under 10 years of age

Explanation

Under India's UIP, DTwP vaccine is given to children up to 7 years of age as part of catch-up immunization. Beyond 7 years, Td (tetanus and reduced-dose diphtheria) is used instead of DTwP because the full diphtheria toxoid and whole-cell pertussis components are not recommended in older children. Option C (under 5 years) is a common misconception but the correct cutoff is 7 years.

Reference: Immunization Handbook for Medical Officers, Government of India, 2017 ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.