A vaccine that can be given to an immunocompromised child is :

IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Medium

Appeared in: IGNOU PB. Bsc. Nsg. Entrance-2025

Explanation

The Hib vaccine is an inactivated (specifically, a polysaccharide conjugate) vaccine.
Inactivated vaccines do not contain live pathogens, so they cannot replicate or cause disease, even in individuals with weakened immune systems.
It is safe and specifically recommended for immunocompromised children to protect them against invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b diseases like meningitis and pneumonia.
The core principle is to avoid administering live vaccines to immunocompromised individuals.

Option B: OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) is a live attenuated viral vaccine. Administering it to an immunocompromised child can lead to vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis (VAPP).
Option C: BCG is a live attenuated bacterial vaccine. It is strictly contraindicated in immunocompromised individuals because it can cause a severe, life-threatening disseminated infection known as BCGosis.
Option D: MMR is a live attenuated viral vaccine. It is generally contraindicated in severely immunocompromised children as the vaccine viruses can replicate unchecked and cause disseminated measles, mumps, or rubella infection.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Vaccination safety in immunocompromised children as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse must always verify a child's immune status before administering any vaccine. This includes checking for diagnoses like cancer, HIV, or primary immunodeficiencies, and reviewing medications for immunosuppressants like high-dose steroids or chemotherapy.
Patient and family education is critical. Nurses must explain why live vaccines are dangerous for the child and also counsel household contacts to receive the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) instead of OPV to prevent shedding the live virus and exposing the immunocompromised child.
What if? If a healthy sibling of an immunocompromised child needs a polio vaccine, the nurse should ensure the sibling receives IPV (the inactivated, injectable form) rather than OPV (the live, oral form) to prevent transmission of the vaccine virus to the vulnerable child.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key patient characteristic in the question stem: 'immunocompromised child'. This is the most critical piece of information.
Next, recall the fundamental rule of vaccination for this population: Live vaccines are generally contraindicated, while inactivated vaccines are safe.
Categorize each option as either a 'live' or 'inactivated' vaccine.
Hib: Inactivated (conjugate)
OPV: Live attenuated
BCG: Live attenuated

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Vaccination safety in immunocompromised children
Stem keywords: vaccine, immunocompromised child
Lead-in keywords: can be given
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.