Rotavirus vaccine is included in India's Universal Immunisation Programme with a 3-dose schedule. The UPPER age limit for the first dose of oral rotavirus vaccine (Rotavac/Rotasiil) under UIP is:
- A 15 weeks of age ✓
- B 6 weeks of age
- C 8 weeks of age
- D No upper age limit for first dose
Correct answer: A. 15 weeks of age
Explanation
Under India's UIP schedule, the first dose of rotavirus vaccine should be given at 6 weeks but the maximum age for the first dose is 15 weeks (WHO recommendation adopted by India) to avoid the theoretical but consistent association between oral rotavirus vaccine and intussusception risk when given after this age. The three-dose schedule is at 6, 10, and 14 weeks ideally, but if delayed, the first dose must not be initiated after 15 completed weeks.
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.