The Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) was introduced in India's UIP in 2017. Its schedule (currently used in UIP) is:
- A Single dose at 9 months
- B 6 weeks, 14 weeks, and 9 months (2+1 schedule) ✓
- C 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 12 months
- D 9 months and 15 months only
Correct answer: B. 6 weeks, 14 weeks, and 9 months (2+1 schedule)
Explanation
India's UIP uses a 2+1 schedule for PCV13: primary series at 6 weeks and 14 weeks, with a booster at 9 months. This schedule was recommended by the NTAGI and is being scaled nationally in a phased manner. The 4-dose schedule (option C) is used in some other countries but not in India's national programme.
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.