The Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine schedule under India's NIS for adolescent girls aged 9-14 years who start the series before 15 years of age is:
- A Three-dose schedule at 0, 1, 6 months
- B Two-dose schedule at 0 and 6 months ✓
- C Single dose schedule
- D Two-dose schedule at 0 and 2 months
Correct answer: B. Two-dose schedule at 0 and 6 months
Explanation
For adolescent girls who start the HPV vaccination series before age 15, WHO and India's NIS recommend a two-dose schedule with the second dose given 6 months after the first (0 and 6 months interval). Girls 15 years and older, or immunocompromised individuals, require the three-dose schedule (0, 1-2, and 6 months). India introduced HPV vaccine into its UIP for girls aged 9-14 years in 2023, starting with select states.
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.