A 2-year-old unvaccinated child is brought to the immunization clinic. As per UIP catch-up vaccination guidelines, which of the following is the correct approach for the first visit?

• A Give BCG, OPV-0, Hep-B birth dose only; defer others
• B Give all missed doses of all vaccines simultaneously in a single visit (using different syringes and sites) ✓
• C Give only one vaccine per visit, spaced one month apart
• D Give DPT-1, OPV-1, and Hep-B-1 only; MR and others are contraindicated after one year

Explanation

UIP catch-up guidelines permit simultaneous administration of multiple vaccines at the first visit using different syringes and anatomical sites. This is safe and effective and prevents further opportunities being missed. There is no upper limit to the number of vaccines given simultaneously. BCG can be given up to 5 years; MR catch-up can be given up to 15 years. The key principle: never miss an opportunity to vaccinate.

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.