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

Appeared in: NORCET 7 Prelims -2024

Explanation

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for all newborns within 24 hours of birth.
This birth dose is a crucial measure to prevent perinatal (vertical) transmission of the Hepatitis B virus from an infected mother to her infant.
Early vaccination significantly reduces the risk of the infant becoming a chronic carrier, which can lead to severe liver complications like cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life.
The National Immunization Schedule in India includes the Hepatitis B vaccine as a mandatory birth dose, along with BCG and the zero dose of OPV.

Option B: The MMR vaccine is a live vaccine given at 9-12 months. It is not given at birth because maternal antibodies can neutralize the vaccine virus, leading to vaccine failure.
Option C: The Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine is a live attenuated vaccine not recommended for newborns. The immune system of a newborn is not mature enough to handle this vaccine.
Option D: The influenza vaccine is not approved or recommended for infants younger than 6 months of age due to a lack of data on safety and efficacy in this age group.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Newborn Immunization Schedule as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Administering the Hepatitis B birth dose is a primary nursing responsibility in the labor and delivery unit. It is a key public health strategy to reduce the burden of chronic liver disease.
Nurses must ensure proper documentation of all vaccines administered, including the site and route, in the infant's health record.
Patient education is vital. Nurses should explain to parents the importance of the birth dose vaccines and the schedule for future immunizations.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the key terms in the question: 'newborn' and 'immediately after birth'. This directs you to recall the specific set of vaccines given in this very early timeframe.
Access your knowledge of the National Immunization Schedule.
Systematically evaluate each option against the 'at birth' criteria.
Recall that Hepatitis B, BCG, and OPV-0 are the three vaccines given at birth in India.
Since Hepatitis B is listed as an option, it is the correct choice.
Confirm this by eliminating the other options. Recall that MMR and Varicella are given around the first birthday (9-15 months) and Influenza is given from 6 months onwards.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QPrE1-Z_OTej71UTxTUIpN

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

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 198-200

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