Under the National Immunization Schedule 2023-24, the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was introduced nationally for all children. The PCV schedule in NIS is:
- A 2 primary doses at 6 and 14 weeks + booster at 9 months ✓
- B 2 doses at 6 and 14 weeks only
- C 3 doses at 6, 10, and 14 weeks
- D Single dose at 9 months with Measles-Rubella vaccine
Correct answer: A. 2 primary doses at 6 and 14 weeks + booster at 9 months
Explanation
PCV10 is given in a 2p+1 schedule under NIS: primary doses at 6 weeks and 14 weeks, with a booster dose at 9 months (co-administered with MR vaccine). This schedule optimises immunogenicity while allowing co-administration at existing contact points. The 3-dose (3p+0) schedule without a booster is less immunogenic for some serogroups and is not the Indian NIS approach.
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.