Which feature best distinguishes the immunisation schedule for Rotavirus vaccine from that of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) in the National Immunisation Schedule of India?

Explanation

## Comparison of Rotavirus and OPV Schedules ### Rotavirus Vaccine Schedule - **Age of administration:** 6 weeks, 10 weeks, and 14 weeks (3 doses) - **Route:** Oral - **Type:** Live attenuated vaccine - **No booster dose** in the primary schedule ### Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Schedule - **Age of administration:** Birth (0 dose), 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks (primary series), and 18 months (booster) - **Route:** Oral - **Type:** Live attenuated vaccine - **Total doses:** 5 doses in primary schedule ### Key Distinguishing Feature **Key Point:** The critical difference is the **number of doses and timing**. Rotavirus has only 3 primary doses (6, 10, 14 weeks) with no booster, whereas OPV has 4 primary doses plus a booster at 18 months. OPV also includes a birth dose, which Rotavirus does not. ### Comparison Table | Feature | Rotavirus | OPV | | --- | --- | --- | | Birth dose | No | Yes (0 dose) | | Primary series doses | 3 | 4 | | Primary series timing | 6, 10, 14 weeks | 6, 10, 14 weeks | | Booster dose | No | Yes (18 months) | | Route | Oral | Oral | | Vaccine type | Live attenuated | Live attenuated | **High-Yield:** Remember that Rotavirus is a **3-dose vaccine** without a booster, making it distinct from the 5-dose OPV schedule (including birth and booster). **Clinical Pearl:** Both vaccines are oral and live attenuated, but the dosing schedule is the key discriminator tested in NEET PG examinations on the National Immunisation Schedule.