Immunisation: influenza vaccine in young children: practice question

A Pediatrics question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pediatrics · Immunisation: influenza vaccine in young children

Sample item

A healthy 3-year-old is to receive inactivated influenza vaccine for the first time. Which schedule is recommended?

AA single dose, repeated every 5 yearsBThree doses at 0, 1 and 6 monthsCA single dose given only after 9 years of ageDTwo doses given 4 weeks apart in the first season

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Two doses given 4 weeks apart in the first season

Children under 9 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses at least 4 weeks apart because the primary response is weak. Thereafter a single dose is given every year, as circulating strains change. Vaccination is advised from 6 months of age.

Option by option

A. A single dose, repeated every 5 years
The vaccine is repeated every year because strains change.
B. Three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months
The 0, 1 and 6 month schedule belongs to hepatitis B vaccine.
C. A single dose given only after 9 years of age
Influenza vaccine is recommended from 6 months, not delayed until 9 years.
D. Two doses given 4 weeks apart in the first season (correct)
Correct. First-time recipients under 9 years need two doses 4 weeks apart.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Two doses given 4 weeks apart in the first season. Children under 9 years receiving influenza vaccine for the first time need two doses at least 4 weeks apart because the primary response is weak.

Why is "A single dose, repeated every 5 years" not the answer?

The vaccine is repeated every year because strains change.

Why is "Three doses at 0, 1 and 6 months" not the answer?

The 0, 1 and 6 month schedule belongs to hepatitis B vaccine.

Why is "A single dose given only after 9 years of age" not the answer?

Influenza vaccine is recommended from 6 months, not delayed until 9 years.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunisation: influenza vaccine in young children in Pediatrics. Thereafter a single dose is given every year, as circulating strains change. Vaccination is advised from 6 months of age.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Immunisation: influenza vaccine in young children?

Memorise milestones and the vaccine schedule as tables and revise them often. Then use the flashcards and the other Pediatrics questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.