According to the National Immunization Schedule, the third dose of the Pentavalent vaccine (Pentavalent 3) can be given at:

Appeared in: BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Explanation

According to the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) of India, the third dose of the Pentavalent vaccine is administered at 14 weeks of age.
The primary immunization series for the Pentavalent vaccine consists of three doses given at specific intervals to build adequate immunity.
The complete schedule is: the first dose at 6 weeks, the second at 10 weeks, and the third at 14 weeks.

Option A: This is the correct age for the first dose of the Pentavalent vaccine, not the third.
Option C: This age is scheduled for the first dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine and the first dose of Vitamin A, not the Pentavalent vaccine.
Option D: This is the correct age for the second dose of the Pentavalent vaccine, not the third.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: Knowing National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for Pentavalent vaccine helps nurses interpret findings accurately and avoid errors in routine assessment, medication administration, and patient teaching.
Nurses play a vital role in administering vaccines as per the NIS, educating parents on the importance of timely vaccination, and maintaining accurate immunization records.
Adherence to the immunization schedule is critical for protecting infants from five serious diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
What if? If a parent brings a 16-week-old infant who missed the 14-week dose, the nurse should administer the third dose immediately. The schedule allows for some flexibility, and it's crucial to complete the primary series as soon as possible, up to one year of age.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question based on a standard national health protocol.
First, identify the key terms in the question: 'Pentavalent vaccine', 'third dose', and 'National Immunization Schedule'.
Mentally recall the specific schedule for the Pentavalent vaccine under the NIS.
The schedule is sequential: Dose 1 at 6 weeks, Dose 2 at 10 weeks, and Dose 3 at 14 weeks.
Match the timing for the 'third dose' (14 weeks) with the provided options.
Eliminate the other options as they correspond to different doses (6 and 10 weeks) or different vaccines (9 months).

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 120-122

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 189-191

Practise the full BTSC Staff Nurse 1 August-2025

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.