Under the NIS schedule, Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) is given at which ages in India?
- A 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks
- B 6 weeks, 14 weeks, 9 months ✓
- C 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months
- D 6 weeks, 14 weeks, 6 months
Correct answer: B. 6 weeks, 14 weeks, 9 months
Explanation
India follows a 2+1 schedule for PCV (as per NIS): two primary doses at 6 weeks and 14 weeks, followed by a booster at 9 months. This differs from the 3-dose schedule (6, 10, 14 weeks) without a booster used for pentavalent. PCV was introduced nationally in 2017 and progressively scaled up. The 9-month booster is given alongside the first dose of MR/Measles vaccine. This schedule is the 'accelerated' WHO-recommended schedule for high-burden countries.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.