The following vaccines are given to an infant at birth :

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 3, which states that the vaccines given to an infant at birth are BCG and OPV – 0, is the correct answer. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this choice:

1. **BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) Vaccine**: 
   - The BCG vaccine is administered at birth to protect against tuberculosis (TB), a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is a standard practice in many countries to provide this vaccine to newborns to ensure early protection against TB.

2. **OPV – 0 (Oral Polio Vaccine)**:
   - The OPV – 0 dose is given at birth to provide early protection against poliomyelitis, a highly infectious viral disease that can lead to paralysis. This initial dose is crucial for priming the immune system and is part of the global effort to eradicate polio.

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

1. **Option 1: DPT-1 and OPV – 1**:
   - The DPT vaccine (Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus) is not given at birth. The first dose of the DPT vaccine is typically administered at 6 weeks of age. OPV – 1 is also given at 6 weeks, not at birth. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

2. **Option 2: OPV - 1 and Measles**:
   - As mentioned, OPV – 1 is not administered at birth but at 6 weeks. The measles vaccine is usually given at 9 months of age. Hence, this option is incorrect as neither vaccine is given at birth.

3. **Option 4: BCG and Measles**:
   - While BCG is correctly listed as a birth vaccine, the measles vaccine is not administered at birth. It is typically given at 9 months of age. Therefore, this option is incorrect.

In conclusion, Option 3 is the correct answer because BCG and OPV – 0 are the vaccines administered to an infant at birth, providing essential early protection against tuberculosis and poliomyelitis, respectively.