Immunisation: interval for live vaccines: 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: interval for live vaccines

Sample item

A child received a measles-containing vaccine yesterday and now needs another live parenteral vaccine. What is the rule?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Give them 4 weeks apart if not given on the same day

Two live parenteral vaccines can be given on the same day at different sites, or must be separated by at least 4 weeks because the first can induce interferon and blunt the second. Inactivated vaccines can be given at any interval. Oral live vaccines do not follow the same restriction.

Option by option

  • A. Live vaccines can never be repeated

    Live vaccines can be given again.

  • B. They can be given 1 day apart

    One day apart risks interference.

  • C. The interval must be 1 year

    A year is not required.

  • D. Give them 4 weeks apart if not given on the same day (correct)

    Correct. Separate by at least 4 weeks.

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.

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Questions about this Pediatrics question

What is the answer to this Pediatrics question?

The best answer is D, Give them 4 weeks apart if not given on the same day. Two live parenteral vaccines can be given on the same day at different sites, or must be separated by at least 4 weeks because the first can induce interferon and blunt the second.

Why is "Live vaccines can never be repeated" not the answer?

Live vaccines can be given again.

Why is "They can be given 1 day apart" not the answer?

One day apart risks interference.

Why is "The interval must be 1 year" not the answer?

A year is not required.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Immunisation: interval for live vaccines in Pediatrics. Inactivated vaccines can be given at any interval. Oral live vaccines do not follow the same restriction.

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: interval for live vaccines?

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.