Paediatrics for NEET-PG
Immunisation Schedule in India for NEET-PG
The National Immunization Schedule of India, delivered through the Universal Immunization Programme, provides free vaccines against vaccine-preventable diseases from birth through adolescence and pregnancy. For NEET-PG, the highest-yield material is the exact age at which each vaccine is given, the vaccines given at birth, the booster timings, and the cold chain principle. At birth the schedule includes BCG, the birth dose of oral polio vaccine, and hepatitis B. The pentavalent vaccine covering diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks along with oral polio vaccine, inactivated polio vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine, while pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is included in the programme. Measles-containing vaccine, given as measles-rubella, is scheduled at 9 to 12 months and again at 16 to 24 months. Boosters of DPT and OPV are given at 16 to 24 months and DPT again at 5 to 6 years, with a tetanus and adult diphtheria dose at 10 and 16 years. Pregnant women receive tetanus and adult diphtheria toxoid. BCG is given intradermally over the left upper arm, and knowing the cold chain, with the most heat-sensitive OPV kept coldest, is frequently tested. Recalling ages, the birth doses, and the difference between the schedule and IAP recommendations are consistent exam anchors.
MedNext Academy | 3 min read
Immunisation Schedule in India for NEET-PG
The National Immunization Schedule of India, delivered through the Universal Immunization Programme, provides free vaccines against vaccine-preventable diseases from birth through adolescence and pregnancy. For NEET-PG, the highest-yield material is the exact age at which each vaccine is given, the vaccines given at birth, the booster timings, and the cold chain principle. At birth the schedule includes BCG, the birth dose of oral polio vaccine, and hepatitis B. The pentavalent vaccine covering diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks along with oral polio vaccine, inactivated polio vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine, while pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is included in the programme. Measles-containing vaccine, given as measles-rubella, is scheduled at 9 to 12 months and again at 16 to 24 months. Boosters of DPT and OPV are given at 16 to 24 months and DPT again at 5 to 6 years, with a tetanus and adult diphtheria dose at 10 and 16 years. Pregnant women receive tetanus and adult diphtheria toxoid. BCG is given intradermally over the left upper arm, and knowing the cold chain, with the most heat-sensitive OPV kept coldest, is frequently tested. Recalling ages, the birth doses, and the difference between the schedule and IAP recommendations are consistent exam anchors.
The National Immunization Schedule of India, delivered through the Universal Immunization Programme, provides free vaccines against vaccine-preventable diseases from birth through adolescence and pregnancy. For NEET-PG, the highest-yield material is the exact age at which each vaccine is given, the vaccines given at birth, the booster timings, and the cold chain principle. At birth the schedule includes BCG, the birth dose of oral polio vaccine, and hepatitis B. The pentavalent vaccine covering diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks along with oral polio vaccine, inactivated polio vaccine, and rotavirus vaccine, while pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is included in the programme. Measles-containing vaccine, given as measles-rubella, is scheduled at 9 to 12 months and again at 16 to 24 months. Boosters of DPT and OPV are given at 16 to 24 months and DPT again at 5 to 6 years, with a tetanus and adult diphtheria dose at 10 and 16 years. Pregnant women receive tetanus and adult diphtheria toxoid. BCG is given intradermally over the left upper arm, and knowing the cold chain, with the most heat-sensitive OPV kept coldest, is frequently tested. Recalling ages, the birth doses, and the difference between the schedule and IAP recommendations are consistent exam anchors.
Key points
- **Birth doses:** BCG, oral polio vaccine zero dose, and hepatitis B birth dose are given at birth in the National Immunization Schedule.
- **Primary series ages:** Pentavalent, OPV, IPV, and rotavirus vaccines are given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age as the primary series.
- **Pentavalent coverage:** Pentavalent protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b in a single injection.
- **Measles-rubella:** First measles-rubella dose at 9 to 12 months, second dose at 16 to 24 months, delivered as combined MR vaccine.
- **Booster timing:** DPT and OPV boosters at 16 to 24 months, second DPT booster at 5 to 6 years, and Td at 10 and 16 years.
- **BCG technique:** BCG is given intradermally over the left upper arm and produces a papule then a scar. It protects against severe childhood tuberculosis.
- **Pregnancy vaccination:** Tetanus and adult diphtheria toxoid is given to pregnant women to prevent maternal and neonatal tetanus.
- **Cold chain:** Vaccines are kept at prescribed temperatures from manufacture to use. OPV is the most heat sensitive and kept in the coldest part.
- **Vitamin A:** Vitamin A prophylaxis is given from 9 months, with repeat doses every 6 months up to 5 years under the programme.
- **OPV versus IPV:** Oral polio vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine given multiple times, while inactivated polio vaccine is injectable and added to boost immunity.
- **Live vaccines:** BCG, OPV, measles-rubella, and rotavirus are live vaccines, which matters for storage and contraindications in immunodeficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which vaccines are given at birth in India?
The National Immunization Schedule gives BCG, the zero dose of oral polio vaccine, and the hepatitis B birth dose at birth.
What does the pentavalent vaccine protect against?
It protects against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b, and is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks.
When is the measles-rubella vaccine given?
The first MR dose is given at 9 to 12 months and the second at 16 to 24 months under the national schedule.
Which vaccine is most heat sensitive in the cold chain?
Oral polio vaccine is the most heat-sensitive vaccine and is stored in the coldest part of the cold chain to preserve potency.
How is BCG administered?
BCG is given as an intradermal injection over the left upper arm and protects against severe forms of childhood tuberculosis.
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