According to the National Immunization Schedule, what is the correct time, dosage, route and site of administration of the measles vaccine for children?

Appeared in: PGICH Noida NO-2025

Explanation

The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) of India recommends the first dose of the measles vaccine for infants between 9 completed months and 12 months of age.
The standard dose for the measles vaccine is 0.5 ml.
The correct route of administration is subcutaneous (SC), not intramuscular or intradermal.
To ensure uniformity and ease of verification by surveyors, the designated site for the measles vaccine is the right upper arm.

Option A: This option is incorrect for the first dose. The age (16-24 months) corresponds to the second dose of the measles vaccine. The dosage (1 ml) is double the correct amount, and the site (left upper arm) is incorrect; the left arm is reserved for the BCG vaccine.
Option B: This option is incorrect. The age (6-9 months) is too early for the routine first dose, which can lead to vaccine failure due to maternal antibodies. The route (intramuscular) and site (vastus lateralis muscle) are also incorrect. The vastus lateralis is typically used for intramuscular injections like the Pentavalent vaccine in infants.
Option C: This option is incorrect. The dosage (1 ml) is wrong, and the route of administration (intramuscular) is also incorrect. The measles vaccine is given subcutaneously.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Immunization Schedule: Measles Vaccine Administration as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adhering to the National Immunization Schedule is critical for protecting children from vaccine-preventable diseases and establishing herd immunity within the community.
Nurses play a vital role in educating parents about the importance of timely vaccination, the specific schedule, and managing common minor side effects like fever or local soreness.
It is a standard practice to administer specific vaccines on designated limbs (e.g., BCG on the left arm, Measles on the right arm) to allow for easy identification and assessment of vaccination status during health surveys.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key components of the question: it asks for the correct time, dosage, route, and site for the measles vaccine according to the National Immunization Schedule.
This is a factual recall question. You must retrieve the specific details from your knowledge of the immunization schedule.
Systematically evaluate each option against all four parameters (time, dose, route, site).
Eliminate Option A: The age is for the 2nd dose, the dose is wrong (1 ml vs 0.5 ml), and the site is wrong (left vs right arm).
Eliminate Option B: The age is too early, and the route (IM) and site (vastus lateralis) are incorrect for measles.
Eliminate Option C: The dose (1 ml) and route (IM) are incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: National Immunization Schedule: Measles Vaccine Administration
Stem keywords: National Immunization Schedule, measles vaccine, time, dosage, route, site
Lead-in keywords: correct
Negative lead-in flag: false

Q_Ug3DNrRZbknkh4fLhjbP

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 198-200

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 127-129

Practise the full PGICH Noida NO-2025

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