## Core Vaccines in UIP vs. Optional/Non-UIP Vaccines **Key Point:** The UIP in India includes a defined list of core vaccines that are provided free of cost to all children. Some vaccines are optional or not yet universally included. ### UIP Core Vaccines (as per current guidelines) | Vaccine | Status in UIP | Age of Administration | | --- | --- | --- | | BCG | Core | At birth | | Hepatitis B | Core | At birth + booster | | Polio (OPV/IPV) | Core | 6, 10, 14 weeks + boosters | | DPT | Core | 6, 10, 14 weeks + boosters | | Measles-Rubella (MR) | Core | 9 months + booster at 16-24 months | | Rotavirus | Core | 6, 10, 14 weeks | | Pneumococcal Conjugate (PCV) | Core | 6, 10, 14 weeks + booster | | Japanese Encephalitis (JE) | Core (endemic areas) | As per region | | Varicella | NOT in core UIP | Optional/Private | **High-Yield:** Varicella vaccine is NOT part of the routine UIP schedule in India and is available only in the private sector. This is an important distinction for NEET PG exams. **Clinical Pearl:** While rotavirus vaccine was added to UIP in 2023, varicella remains outside the core UIP despite its global use in many developed countries. **Mnemonic:** **Core UIP = B-H-P-D-M-R-PCV-JE** — BCG, Hepatitis B, Polio, DPT, Measles-Rubella, PCV, and JE (in endemic areas). Varicella is the notable exclusion.
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