According to the National Immunization Schedule, vitamin A prophylaxis begins with the first dose given at 9 completed months. What is the dose and the subsequent schedule?
- A First dose 50,000 IU at 9 months, then 100,000 IU every 6 months till 3 years
- B First dose 200,000 IU at 9 months, then 200,000 IU annually till 5 years
- C First dose 100,000 IU at 9 months, then 200,000 IU every 6 months till 5 years ✓
- D Single dose 200,000 IU at 9 months with no further doses
Correct answer: C. First dose 100,000 IU at 9 months, then 200,000 IU every 6 months till 5 years
Explanation
The infant receives 100,000 IU orally with the first dose of measles/MR vaccine at 9 completed months. From 16 to 18 months onward the child gets 200,000 IU every 6 months until 5 years, giving nine doses in total across childhood. The 50,000 IU dose belongs to neonatal vitamin A protocols in special situations, not to the routine schedule, and the interval is 6 monthly, not annual.
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.