## IAP Immunisation Schedule for PCV **Key Point:** The IAP recommends PCV13 (Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine) starting at **6 weeks of age** as part of the primary immunisation series. ### PCV Dosing Schedule (IAP Recommendation) | Age | Dose | Interval | | --- | --- | --- | | 6 weeks | 1st dose | Primary series | | 10 weeks | 2nd dose | 4 weeks apart | | 14 weeks | 3rd dose | 4 weeks apart | | 12–15 months | Booster dose | After 6 months from 3rd dose | **High-Yield:** The 6-week mark is synchronized with other primary vaccines (DPT, OPV, Rotavirus, Hepatitis B) to ensure comprehensive early protection against invasive pneumococcal disease. **Clinical Pearl:** PCV13 covers 13 serotypes and is the conjugate vaccine of choice in India; it provides better immunogenicity in infants compared to polysaccharide vaccines and is recommended universally by IAP since 2014. ### Why 6 Weeks? - Maternal antibodies begin to wane by 6 weeks - Infant immune system is sufficiently mature to mount an adequate response - Aligns with the DPT-1 schedule for convenience and compliance
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