Oral cholera vaccine (OCV) Shanchol is used in India for outbreak control. Which of the following BEST describes the schedule for use in mass vaccination campaigns?
- A Two doses 2 weeks apart, protection for 3 years ✓
- B Single dose, protection for 2 years
- C Three doses 4 weeks apart, protection for 5 years
- D Single dose with booster at 6 months, protection for 1 year
Correct answer: A. Two doses 2 weeks apart, protection for 3 years
Explanation
Shanchol (killed whole-cell OCV) is given as 2 doses separated by 2 weeks. It provides approximately 65–67% vaccine efficacy against cholera for up to 3 years. The vaccine contains killed V. cholerae O1 (El Tor and classical biotypes, Inaba and Ogawa serotypes) and O139. It does not require buffer solution and can be stored at 2–8°C. WHO recommends OCV in endemic areas and during outbreaks, used alongside WASH interventions — it does not replace water and sanitation measures.
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.