According to the IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) schedule, which vaccine is recommended at 18 months of age that is NOT part of the mandatory National Immunisation Schedule?

Explanation

## IAP vs NIS — Vaccines at 18 Months **Key Point:** The IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) recommends **Varicella vaccine** at 18 months as part of its comprehensive immunisation schedule, which goes **beyond** the mandatory NIS. ### Comparison: NIS vs IAP at 18 Months | Vaccine | NIS (Mandatory) | IAP (Recommended) | | --- | --- | --- | | DPT Booster 1 | ✓ (18–24 months) | ✓ | | IPV Booster | ✓ (18–24 months) | ✓ | | OPV Booster | ✓ (18–24 months) | ✓ | | Hepatitis B Booster | ✗ | ✓ (optional) | | Varicella | ✗ | ✓ (18 months) | | MMR | ✓ (9–12 months) | ✓ (9–12 months) | **High-Yield:** The IAP schedule is **more comprehensive** than the NIS and includes vaccines for diseases with significant morbidity in India (varicella, rotavirus, PCV, typhoid). Varicella vaccine at 18 months is a **signature IAP recommendation** not in the NIS. **Mnemonic — IAP "Extra" Vaccines Beyond NIS:** **V-R-P-T** - **V**aricella (18 months) - **R**otavirus (6, 10, 14 weeks) - **P**neumococcal conjugate (PCV) (6, 10, 14 weeks + booster) - **T**yphoid conjugate (9–12 months) **Clinical Pearl:** While the NIS is the government-mandated minimum, the IAP schedule is recommended for private practice and represents best-practice immunisation in India. Parents often ask about varicella protection; the IAP recommendation at 18 months is the standard answer.