Under India's Universal Immunization Programme, the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine is provided in endemic districts. Which JE vaccine is currently used in the UIP, and what is its type?
- A Inactivated Vero cell-derived SA 14-14-2 vaccine
- B Live attenuated SA 14-14-2 vaccine ✓
- C Inactivated mouse brain-derived Nakayama strain vaccine
- D Live recombinant chimeric vaccine
Correct answer: B. Live attenuated SA 14-14-2 vaccine
Explanation
India's UIP uses the live attenuated SA 14-14-2 JE vaccine, manufactured in China and prequalified by WHO. It is a single-dose subcutaneous vaccine given at 9 months (first dose) along with the MR first dose, and a second dose at 16-24 months. The inactivated Vero cell vaccine exists but is not the one used in the 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.