Following nationwide introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme, what is the current routine PCV schedule for an infant in India?
- A Two primary doses at 6 and 14 weeks, plus a booster at 9 completed months ✓
- B Three primary doses at 6, 10 and 14 weeks, with no booster
- C Two primary doses at 6 and 10 weeks, plus a booster at 12 months
- D Single dose at birth followed by one dose at 6 weeks
Correct answer: A. Two primary doses at 6 and 14 weeks, plus a booster at 9 completed months
Explanation
India uses a 2-plus-1 PCV schedule: primary doses at 6 and 14 weeks along with pentavalent vaccine, and a booster at 9 completed months with measles-rubella vaccine. The earlier 3-dose primary schedule was replaced after national scale-up. Schedules built around 10-week dosing reflect private-sector practice rather than the public programme, which is the trap in option C.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.