## Clarification of NIS Vaccine Schedule ### Current Status of Polio Vaccination in India **Key Point:** As per the National Immunisation Schedule (NIS), India continues to use a **mixed schedule of OPV and IPV**, not complete replacement of OPV with IPV. **High-Yield:** The current NIS schedule includes: - **IPV** at 6 weeks and 14 weeks (2 doses) - **OPV** at 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and booster doses at 16–24 months and 5 years The statement claiming IPV has "completely replaced" OPV is **incorrect**. India follows a **bivalent OPV (bOPV)** strategy in routine immunisation, with selective IPV doses to maintain population immunity while reducing the risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus. ### Verification of Other Statements | Vaccine | Schedule | Status | |---------|----------|--------| | **Rotavirus** | 6, 10, 14 weeks | ✓ Correct (3 oral doses) | | **PCV** | 6, 10, 14 weeks + booster 12–15 months | ✓ Correct (3+1 schedule) | | **JE vaccine** | Universal in endemic states; selective in non-endemic | ✓ Correct (expanded to all states as of 2021) | | **IPV + OPV** | Mixed schedule (not complete IPV replacement) | ✗ **INCORRECT** | **Clinical Pearl:** The rationale for maintaining OPV in the schedule is cost-effectiveness and mucosal immunity, while IPV provides systemic immunity and reduces vaccine-derived poliovirus risk in the community. [cite:Park 26e Ch 6]
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