Under NIS (National Immunization Schedule), the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) is currently given in India at:
- A 6, 10, 14 weeks and 9 months
- B 6, 14 weeks and 9 months (2+1 schedule) ✓
- C 6, 10, 14 weeks only (3-dose primary)
- D Only at 6 and 14 weeks in high-burden states
Correct answer: B. 6, 14 weeks and 9 months (2+1 schedule)
Explanation
PCV (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) was introduced in India's Universal Immunization Programme and follows a 2+1 schedule: primary doses at 6 weeks and 14 weeks, followed by a booster at 9 months. This schedule was adopted based on WHO SAGE recommendations for high-burden, high-mortality countries. The 3+0 schedule (6,10,14 weeks) without a booster is used in some other contexts.
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.