Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was recently incorporated into India's Universal Immunization Programme. Which statement best describes its routine administration?
- A Two doses of bivalent vaccine at 9 and 10 years in both sexes
- B Single dose of quadrivalent vaccine at 9 to 14 years in girls ✓
- C Three doses of quadrivalent vaccine at 0, 1 and 6 months in adolescent girls
- D Two doses of nonavalent vaccine at 11 and 12 years in boys and girls
Correct answer: B. Single dose of quadrivalent vaccine at 9 to 14 years in girls
Explanation
Following WHO recommendation of a single-dose schedule for those under 15 years, India's UIP adopted one 0.5 mL intramuscular dose of quadrivalent HPV vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14 years, delivered mainly through school-based and campaign approaches. It targets girls only in the public programme. The three-dose schedule is reserved for older adolescents and adults outside the UIP strategy, and the nonavalent product is not used nationally.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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