Which feature best distinguishes the immunisation schedule for rotavirus vaccine from that of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) in the Indian National Immunisation Schedule?

Explanation

## Distinguishing Feature: Age Cutoff for Completion ### Rotavirus Vaccine Schedule **Key Point:** Rotavirus vaccine has a strict age window and must be completed by **6 months of age** (preferably by 5 months 29 days). The schedule is 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age — a 3-dose primary series. **Clinical Pearl:** If the first dose is missed, the entire series cannot be restarted after 6 months due to the risk of intussusception increasing with age. ### Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) Schedule **Key Point:** PCV has a more flexible schedule and can be given at 6, 10, 14 weeks with a booster at **12–15 months**. Catch-up vaccination is possible beyond 6 months if the primary series was delayed. **High-Yield:** The critical difference is the **age cutoff**. Rotavirus is time-sensitive; PCV is not. ### Comparison Table | Feature | Rotavirus | PCV | | --- | --- | --- | | Primary series doses | 3 (6, 10, 14 wks) | 3 (6, 10, 14 wks) | | Booster dose | None | 12–15 months | | **Must complete by** | **6 months** | **Flexible; can extend** | | Type | Oral, live attenuated | Conjugate (inactivated) | | Intussusception risk | Yes (age-dependent) | No | **Mnemonic:** **ROTA-CUTOFF** — Rotavirus has a strict age cutoff at 6 months; PCV does not. [cite:Park 26e Ch 6]