Which of the following is correct regarding the JE vaccine according to the National Immunization Schedule?

Appeared in: DSSSB October 2024

Explanation

The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for endemic areas specifies a two-dose schedule for the Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine.
The first dose (JE-1) is administered between 9 and 12 months of age, often coinciding with the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine.
The second dose (JE-2) is given between 16 and 24 months of age.
The correct dose volume for children under 3 years is 0.5 ml.
The live attenuated vaccine used in the NIS is administered via the subcutaneous (SC) route.

Option A: The age for administration is incorrect. The first dose is given at 9-12 months, not 6-9 months.
Option B: While the timing is correct, the dose volume (1 ml) and route (Intramuscular) are incorrect. The correct dose is 0.5 ml and the route is subcutaneous.
Option D: The timing is incorrect, and the route of administration 'Intracranial' is anatomically impossible and nonsensical for a vaccine.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Immunization Schedule: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Adherence to the immunization schedule is critical for preventing Japanese Encephalitis, a severe mosquito-borne viral disease that can cause brain inflammation, leading to high fatality rates and permanent neurological damage in survivors.
Nurses play a key role in educating parents in endemic areas about the importance of completing the two-dose JE vaccine schedule and dispelling misinformation.
As the JE vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine, it should not be administered to immunocompromised children or pregnant women.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core components of the question: it asks for the correct schedule, dose, and route for the JE vaccine.
Break down each option into four parts: JE-1 timing, JE-2 timing, Dose, and Route.
Recall the National Immunization Schedule for vaccines given around 9 months. The JE vaccine schedule is similar to the MR vaccine schedule.
Evaluate Option C: JE-1 at 9-12 months (correct), JE-2 at 16-24 months (correct), Dose 0.5 ml (correct), Route Subcutaneous (correct). This option aligns with all known parameters.
Systematically eliminate the other options by identifying their specific errors: Option A has wrong timing, Option B has the wrong dose and route, and Option D has wrong timing and an impossible route.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: National Immunization Schedule: Japanese Encephalitis (JE) Vaccine
Stem keywords: JE vaccine, National Immunization Schedule
Lead-in keywords: correct regarding

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

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 149-151

Practise the full DSSSB October 2024

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