In districts endemic for Japanese encephalitis under the National Programme, the recommended vaccination strategy using the live attenuated SA 14-14-2 vaccine is:
- A Mass campaign covering all ages, repeated every 3 years
- B Routine two-dose schedule at 9 and 16 months in all districts of India
- C One-time catch-up campaign followed by integration into routine immunization as a single dose at 9 to 12 months ✓
- D Vaccination of pregnant women and pig farmers annually before the transmission season
Correct answer: C. One-time catch-up campaign followed by integration into routine immunization as a single dose at 9 to 12 months
Explanation
JE vaccination follows a two-step strategy: an initial one-time catch-up campaign in children aged 1 to 15 years in endemic districts, followed by incorporation into routine immunization as a single dose at 9 to 12 months alongside MR first dose. The vaccine is limited to JE-endemic districts, not the whole country, and it is a live attenuated vaccine that is avoided in pregnancy. Repeat mass campaigns every few years are not part of the strategy.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 26th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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