The vaccine administered as an intranasal spray is?

Appeared in: HPSSC - 2015

Explanation

The Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) is specifically formulated as a nasal spray for intranasal administration.
This vaccine contains a temperature-sensitive virus that replicates in the cooler temperatures of the nasal passages (around 25°C) but not in the warmer lower respiratory tract (37-39°C).
Administering the vaccine intranasally helps to generate a strong mucosal immune response (IgA) in the respiratory tract, which is the primary site of influenza infection.
The typical dose is 0.2 mL, administered as 0.1 mL into each nostril.

Option A: The measles vaccine is administered via subcutaneous injection, not as a nasal spray. It is typically given as part of the combined Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.
Option B: The rubella vaccine is given via subcutaneous injection. Like measles, it is a component of the MMR vaccine.
Option C: The poliomyelitis vaccine has two main forms, neither of which is an intranasal spray. The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is administered as drops into the mouth, and the Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV) is given as an injection (intramuscular or subcutaneous).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Routes of vaccine administration as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Administering a vaccine by the correct route is a critical nursing responsibility and fundamental to patient safety and vaccine efficacy. An incorrect route can lead to vaccine failure or an increased risk of local or systemic adverse reactions.
Nurses must perform the 'five rights' of medication administration for every vaccine, which includes verifying the right patient, right vaccine, right dose, right time, and right route.
LAIV is contraindicated in certain populations, including children younger than 2 years, adults 50 years and older, pregnant women, and immunocompromised individuals. Nurses must screen patients for these contraindications before administration.

How to Approach the Question

This is a factual recall question that tests your knowledge of vaccine administration.
Identify the keywords in the question stem: 'vaccine' and 'intranasal spray'.
The question requires you to match the specific administration route (intranasal spray) with one of the vaccines listed in the options.
Mentally review the standard administration route for each option:
Measles: Subcutaneous injection (as MMR).
Rubella: Subcutaneous injection (as MMR).

Concept Tested & Keywords

Qtw8mwVFXIcf9djUns45tm

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 205-207

E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1806-1808

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1590-1592

Practise the full HPSSC - 2015

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