## Pentavalent Vaccine Schedule Under RCH **Key Point:** The pentavalent vaccine (DPT + Hepatitis B + Haemophilus influenzae type b) is a combination vaccine introduced in India's Universal Immunization Programme as part of the RCH initiative to reduce disease burden and improve vaccination coverage. ### Pentavalent Vaccine Schedule (Current RCH Guidelines) | Age | Dose | Route | |---|---|---| | 6 weeks | 1st dose | IM | | 10 weeks | 2nd dose | IM | | 14 weeks | 3rd dose | IM | | 18 months | Booster 1 | IM | | 4–6 years | Booster 2 (DPT only) | IM | **High-Yield:** The pentavalent vaccine replaces separate DPT, HepB, and Hib vaccines, reducing the injection load and improving compliance. Vaccination begins at 6 weeks (not at birth) because maternal antibodies at birth interfere with immune response to HepB and Hib. **Mnemonic:** **6-10-14-18** — The primary series is given at 6, 10, and 14 weeks, with the first booster at 18 months. **Clinical Pearl:** Hepatitis B vaccine is also given at birth (within 24 hours) as a separate monovalent dose to prevent perinatal transmission; the pentavalent series then provides additional HepB protection. ### Why Start at 6 Weeks, Not Birth? - Maternal antibodies (especially to HepB and Hib) are still present at birth and suppress the infant's immune response - By 6 weeks, maternal antibodies have declined sufficiently to allow an adequate immune response [cite:Park 26e Ch 7]
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