Which vaccine is given at bIrth ?

Appeared in: Raj. CHO -2025

Explanation

BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) is the correct answer as it is administered at birth according to the National Immunization Schedule in India.
It is given to protect newborns from severe forms of tuberculosis, such as TB meningitis and miliary TB.
The standard dose is 0.1 mL (or 0.05 mL for infants under one month) and is administered intradermally on the left upper arm.
Other vaccines given at birth include the zero dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0) and the birth dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine.

Option A: The DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine is not given at birth. Its primary schedule begins at 6 weeks of age.
Option B: The DT (Diphtheria, Tetanus) vaccine is not an at-birth vaccine. It is typically used as a booster for older children or for those who have a contraindication to the pertussis component of DPT.
Option C: The Measles vaccine is administered much later in infancy, not at birth. Maternal antibodies provide protection against measles for the first few months of life.

Visual 1: Chart - A chart of the complete National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for India, highlighting the vaccines given at birth.
Visual 2: Diagram - An illustration showing the correct intradermal injection technique for the BCG vaccine on the left upper arm.
Visual 3: Photograph - A picture showing the typical evolution of the BCG scar, from papule to ulcer to final scar, to help in patient education.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Knowledge of the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for infants at birth as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Administering the correct vaccines at the correct time is a critical nursing responsibility to ensure public health and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.
Nurses play a vital role in educating parents about the immunization schedule, the importance of each vaccine, and managing common post-vaccination side effects.
Accurate documentation of vaccination in the immunization card is essential for tracking a child's health records and ensuring they receive all subsequent doses on time.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question, which is asking for a vaccine given specifically 'at birth'.
This is a factual recall question based on the National Immunization Schedule (NIS).
Mentally review or visualize the immunization chart for a newborn.
Evaluate each option against the 'at birth' schedule.
Recall that DPT and Measles are given later in infancy.
Identify BCG as the vaccine from the options that is routinely administered right after birth.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Knowledge of the National Immunization Schedule (NIS) for infants at birth.
Stem keywords: vaccine, birth
Lead-in keywords: Which
Negative lead-in flag: false

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Practise the full Raj. CHO -2025

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