Which of the following vaccines are given at birth?

Raj. CHO -2020

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2020

Explanation

The National Immunization Schedule (NIS) in India recommends a specific set of vaccines for newborns to provide early protection against critical diseases.
This combination includes BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) for protection against severe forms of tuberculosis, such as TB meningitis.
It also includes the 'zero dose' of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0) to establish initial intestinal immunity against the poliovirus.
The Hepatitis B birth dose is administered within 24 hours to prevent mother-to-child (perinatal) transmission of the virus.

Option B: This option is incorrect because a vaccine for Hepatitis C does not currently exist. Research is ongoing, but no vaccine is licensed for use.
Option C: This option is incomplete. While BCG is a mandatory vaccine at birth, it omits the equally important OPV (zero dose) and Hepatitis B (birth dose) that are also part of the standard schedule.
Option D: This option incorrectly includes the Pentavalent vaccine. The Pentavalent vaccine schedule begins at 6 weeks of age, not at birth.

Visual 1: Infographic - A clear and colorful chart of the National Immunization Schedule for infants and children in India, highlighting the 'At Birth' section.
Visual 2: Diagram - Illustrations showing the correct anatomical sites for administering the at-birth vaccines: intradermal injection in the left upper arm for BCG and intramuscular injection in the anterolateral thigh for Hepatitis B.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for newborns as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Administering the correct vaccines at birth is a critical nursing responsibility to prevent life-threatening diseases. The Hepatitis B birth dose is particularly vital in preventing chronic liver disease and cancer resulting from perinatal transmission.
Nurses must ensure strict adherence to the cold chain (maintaining vaccine temperature between 2°C and 8°C) to preserve vaccine efficacy.
Patient education is key. Nurses should counsel parents on the importance of completing the immunization schedule, potential minor side effects (like fever or local soreness), and the date for the next visit (at 6 weeks).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for the specific set of vaccines given 'at birth' according to the national schedule.
This is a recall-based question. Access your memory of the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for infants.
Evaluate each option systematically. Option A lists BCG, OPV, and Hep B.
For Option B, recall that there is no vaccine for Hepatitis C. This makes the option incorrect.
For Option C, recognize that 'BCG Only' is likely incomplete, as multiple interventions often occur at birth.
For Option D, recall the schedule for the Pentavalent vaccine. It starts at 6 weeks, not at birth, making this option incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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