A 9-month-old child is brought to an immunization session and is found to have received all scheduled vaccines except Measles-Rubella (MR). On examination, the child has a low-grade fever of 38.2°C and mild URTI. What is the MOST appropriate action?

• A Defer MR vaccine until the child is completely afebrile for 48 hours
• B Administer only antipyretics today and reschedule MR after 2 weeks
• C Test for measles serology before administering the vaccine
• D Administer MR vaccine as mild illness with low-grade fever is not a contraindication ✓

Explanation

Minor illness with low-grade fever (< 38.5°C), mild URTI, mild diarrhoea, or mild malnutrition are NOT contraindications to vaccination. Deferring vaccines due to minor illness is a common missed opportunity for vaccination (MOV). WHO and IAP guidelines specify that only moderate-to-severe febrile illness or the specific contraindication for each vaccine (e.g., anaphylaxis to a prior dose, live vaccine in immunocompromised patient) warrants deferral.

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.