Which of the following vaccine firstly should be given soon after birth?

NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Medium

Appeared in: NORCET 3 - 2022 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Hepatitis B vaccine is the most time-critical vaccine that must be administered at birth.
According to the National Immunization Schedule, it should be given as early as possible, specifically within 24 hours of birth.
This urgency is crucial to prevent perinatal (mother-to-child) transmission of the Hepatitis B virus, which can lead to chronic liver disease and cancer.

Option A: While BCG is a birth dose vaccine, it is not the most time-sensitive. It can be administered anytime up to one year of age.
Option C: The 'zero dose' of OPV is given at birth, but the administration window extends to the first 15 days of life, making it less urgent than the Hepatitis B vaccine.
Option D: The Diphtheria vaccine is not administered at birth. It is part of the primary immunization series that begins at 6 weeks of age (as part of the Pentavalent or DPT vaccine).

Visual 1: Infographic - A clear and simple chart of the Indian National Immunization Schedule for infants, highlighting the 'Birth Dose' section with specific time windows for BCG, Hep-B, and OPV-0.
Visual 2: Diagram - An illustration showing the correct intramuscular injection site for the Hepatitis B vaccine in a newborn (anterolateral aspect of the mid-thigh).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Immunization Schedule for newborns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
A nurse's primary responsibility is to ensure all birth-dose vaccines are administered promptly after the baby is stable, strictly adhering to the 24-hour window for Hepatitis B.
It is critical to check the mother's HBsAg (Hepatitis B surface antigen) status. If the mother is positive, the infant requires both the Hepatitis B vaccine and Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) within 12 hours of birth, administered at different sites, for maximum protection.
Patient education is key. Nurses must inform parents about the importance of the birth dose and the schedule for subsequent vaccine doses.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the vaccine that should be given 'firstly' or with the highest priority immediately after birth.
Recall the standard vaccines administered at birth according to the National Immunization Schedule: BCG, Hepatitis B (birth dose), and OPV (zero dose).
Eliminate Diphtheria immediately, as it is part of the primary series that starts at 6 weeks, not at birth.
Compare the remaining three options (BCG, Hep-B, OPV) based on their recommended time frames for administration.
Recognize that the term 'firstly' implies urgency. The Hepatitis B vaccine has the strictest time window—within 24 hours—to prevent vertical transmission from mother to child.
Conclude that because of this critical 24-hour window, the Hepatitis B vaccine has the highest priority and is the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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