Which of the following vitamin given along with MR vaccine in primary immunization?

Appeared in: NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

Explanation

Vitamin A is routinely administered with the first dose of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine at 9 completed months of age under the National Immunization Schedule.
Measles infection is known to severely deplete Vitamin A levels in the body, increasing the risk of complications like blindness (xerophthalmia), pneumonia, and diarrhea.
Prophylactic administration of Vitamin A at the same time as the measles vaccine is a proven public health strategy to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with measles.

Option B: Vitamin C is an essential nutrient and antioxidant but is not part of the routine immunization schedule to be co-administered with the MR vaccine.
Option C: Folic acid is not administered with the MR vaccine. Its primary role in public health is in preventing neural tube defects and treating megaloblastic anemia.
Option D: Iron is not given with the MR vaccine. In fact, sources like SRC_1704 suggest that iron supplementation should be delayed in certain conditions like severe malnutrition until the child is stable, as it can worsen infections.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain National Immunization Schedule and Vitamin A Prophylaxis as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses are at the forefront of implementing the National Immunization Schedule. Correctly administering Vitamin A with the MR vaccine is a critical nursing responsibility that directly prevents blindness and saves lives.
Patient education is key. Nurses must counsel caregivers on the importance of both the vaccine and the vitamin supplement, and the need for subsequent Vitamin A doses every 6 months until the age of 5.
This combined intervention is one of the most cost-effective public health measures to reduce child mortality and morbidity in India.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'MR vaccine', 'primary immunization', and 'vitamin'.
The question asks for a specific vitamin given concurrently with a specific vaccine during the initial vaccination series.
Access your knowledge of the National Immunization Schedule, focusing on the schedule for infants.
Recall the vaccinations and supplements given at the 9-month mark, which is a key milestone for the first dose of measles-containing vaccine.
You should remember that the first dose of Vitamin A is specifically timed to coincide with the first measles vaccine dose to counteract the vitamin-depleting effects of the measles virus.
Evaluate the other options: Vitamin C, Folic Acid, and Iron have different primary indications and are not part of this specific protocol.

Concept Tested & Keywords

QIyKeazY8aT8_1lqGw3YoC

E6 Parks TextBook of Preventive & Social Medicine part 1 — Subpart C (pp 404-604 of 604) p. 143-145

E6 Ghai Essential Pediatrics(pp 26-904 of 913) p. 93-95

Practise the full NORCET 5 Prelims - Sept 2023 (Shift-2)

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