According to the National Immunization Schedule, what are the first two doses of vitamin A supplementation for a child in India?

• A First dose 50,000 IU at 6 months, second dose 100,000 IU at 9 months
• B First dose 100,000 IU at 9 months, second dose 200,000 IU at 16 to 18 months ✓
• C First dose 100,000 IU at 6 months, second dose 200,000 IU at 12 months
• D First dose 200,000 IU at 9 months, second dose 200,000 IU at 5 years

Explanation

Under the UIP, the first dose of vitamin A, 100,000 IU orally, is given at 9 months along with the measles-rubella vaccine. The second dose of 200,000 IU is given at 16 to 18 months together with the second-year booster visit. Supplementation starts at 9 months, not at 6 months, because megadose vitamin A with early measles vaccination is the established entry point, and subsequent doses follow the booster contacts.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.