Which of the following vaccines is given to a newborn immediately after birth?

Appeared in: Haryana CHO - 2022

Explanation

The National Immunization Schedule recommends three vaccines to be administered at birth: BCG, the birth dose of Hepatitis B, and the zero dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0).
This combination provides early immunity against three significant diseases: Tuberculosis (from BCG), Hepatitis B infection which can be transmitted from mother to child (from Hep B), and Polio (from OPV).
The timing is critical: Hepatitis B should be given within 24 hours of birth, while OPV-0 and BCG should be given as early as possible before discharge from the hospital.

Option B: This option incorrectly includes the Measles vaccine.
Option C: This option incorrectly includes the Hepatitis A vaccine.
Option D: This option incorrectly includes both the Hepatitis A vaccine and the Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV).

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 role includes the safe and accurate administration of at-birth vaccines, ensuring the correct dose, route, and site for each. This includes giving BCG intradermally on the left upper arm to create a characteristic bleb.
Patient education is vital. The nurse must inform parents about the vaccines being given, their importance, common side effects (e.g., fever, local soreness, BCG scar formation), and the schedule for the next set of vaccinations at 6 weeks.
What if the mother is HBsAg-positive? The Hepatitis B birth dose is even more critical. It must be given within 12-24 hours of birth, along with Hepatitis B Immunoglobulin (HBIG) at a different site, to prevent perinatal transmission of the virus to the newborn.

How to Approach the Question

Identify the key phrase in the question: 'immediately after birth'. This points to a specific point in the immunization schedule.
This is a factual recall question. Access your knowledge of the National Immunization Schedule for newborns.
Systematically evaluate each option. Look for vaccines that are known to be given later in infancy or childhood.
Eliminate any option containing 'Measles', as it's given at 9-12 months.
Eliminate any option containing 'Hepatitis A', as it's given after 1 year.
Eliminate any option containing 'Injectable Polio Vaccine' as a birth dose, as the primary series starts at 6 weeks.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart A (pp 26-201 of 604) p. 120-122

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 1 p. 1613-1615

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart B (pp 202-403 of 604) p. 67-69

Practise the full Haryana CHO - 2022

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