A 2-year-old child develops acute watery diarrhea with vomiting and low-grade fever during winter. Stool is mucus-free and blood-free. ELISA for rotavirus antigen in stool is positive. Which statement about the vaccine for this condition is correct?
- A It is an inactivated injectable vaccine given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks
- B It is a live oral vaccine given at 6 and 10 weeks (Rotarix) or 6, 10, and 14 weeks (RotaTeq) ✓
- C It is a killed oral vaccine given in a single dose at 12 months
- D Rotavirus vaccine is not included in the Universal Immunisation Programme of India
Correct answer: B. It is a live oral vaccine given at 6 and 10 weeks (Rotarix) or 6, 10, and 14 weeks (RotaTeq)
Explanation
Rotavirus vaccine is a live oral vaccine. Rotarix is a 2-dose schedule (6 and 10 weeks); RotaTeq is a 3-dose schedule (6, 10, and 14 weeks). It is included in India's Universal Immunisation Programme. The vaccine is oral, not injectable, and not a single dose at 12 months.
Reference: IAP Guidebook on Immunization, 2013-14 ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.