In which year was the polio vaccine (OPV) added to the immunization schedule?

Appeared in: Bihar CHO -2019

Explanation

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched in India in 1978 to combat vaccine-preventable diseases.
In 1979, the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) was officially added to this routine immunization schedule.
This step was crucial in the national effort to control and eventually eradicate poliomyelitis.

Option B: This year is incorrect because the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), which would include OPV, had not yet been launched in India.
Option C: This year marks the launch of the Pulse Polio Immunization campaign, a supplementary mass vaccination drive, not the initial inclusion of OPV into the routine schedule.
Option D: This year is incorrect as OPV was already part of the EPI schedule by this time. This year immediately precedes the launch of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain History of the National Immunization Program in India as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the history of the immunization schedule helps nurses appreciate the evolution of public health strategies in India.
OPV is administered orally (2 drops) and is a live attenuated vaccine. It is crucial to maintain the cold chain (stored at 2-8°C) to ensure its potency.
Nurses play a key role in both routine immunization (like the schedule including OPV) and special campaigns (like Pulse Polio), requiring different logistical and community mobilization skills.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question. It asks for a specific year related to a public health program in India (introduction of OPV).
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge base about the history of India's National Immunization Program.
Recall the key milestones: EPI launch (1978), OPV addition (1979), UIP launch (1985), and Pulse Polio campaign (1995).
Compare these key dates with the given options.
Select the option that matches the date for the introduction of OPV into the routine schedule.
Differentiate this from other significant dates, such as the start of the Pulse Polio campaign, to avoid choosing a close distractor.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QF8qV_BntIpJiK11woU09C

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 124-126

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

Practise the full Bihar CHO -2019

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