As per the National Immunization Schedule, what is the complete vitamin A supplementation plan for a child from 9 months to 5 years of age?

• A Single mega dose of 2 lakh IU at 9 months with no further doses
• B First dose 2 lakh IU at 6 weeks, then monthly doses up to 1 year, total 12 doses
• C First dose 1 lakh IU at 6 months, then 1 lakh IU every 6 months up to 3 years, total 5 doses
• D First dose 1 lakh IU at 9 months, then 2 lakh IU every 6 months up to 5 years, total 9 doses ✓

Explanation

The first dose of 1 lakh IU is given at 9 months along with MR vaccine, followed by 2 lakh IU every 6 months until the fifth birthday, giving a total of 9 doses. The second dose coincides with DPT booster at 16 to 18 months. The lower 1 lakh IU dose is used only for infants below 12 months because of hepatic storage limits. D single dose provides cover for only a few months.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.