## Vaccine Selection in Indian NIS **Key Point:** The National Immunisation Schedule of India recommends DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine containing whole-cell pertussis component for primary immunisation in infants starting at 6 weeks of age. ### Schedule Details - **Primary series:** DPT given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age (3 doses) - **Booster doses:** DPT booster at 18 months and 5 years - **Route:** Intramuscular injection ### Why Whole-Cell DPT in India? | Feature | Whole-Cell DPT | Acellular DTaP | |---------|---|---| | **Cost** | Lower (budget-friendly) | Higher | | **Efficacy** | 85–90% | 95–98% | | **Adverse events** | More common (fever, local reaction) | Fewer, milder | | **Use in NIS** | Primary schedule | Not in routine schedule | | **Availability** | Widely available in India | Limited, private sector | **High-Yield:** The Indian NIS uses whole-cell DPT as the standard vaccine because it provides adequate protection at a cost-effective price point suitable for mass immunisation programmes. DTaP is available in the private sector for parents seeking reduced adverse events. **Clinical Pearl:** Although acellular pertussis vaccines (DTaP) have fewer side effects and are used in developed countries, the whole-cell DPT remains the vaccine of choice in the Indian NIS due to its proven efficacy and affordability in a resource-constrained setting. ### Contraindications to DPT - Encephalopathy within 7 days of previous dose - Severe allergic reaction to vaccine components - Uncontrolled seizure disorder (relative contraindication; can give after stabilisation) [cite:IAP Immunisation Schedule 2024]
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