Question:

Which vaccine is contraindicated in a 3-month-old child with recurrent respiratory illness?

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Consider which vaccines are live attenuated and therefore contraindicated when immune function may be compromised.
Updated On: Jun 23, 2026
  • Inactivated polio
  • Measles
  • DPT
  • DT
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Identify the clinical issue. A 3-month-old child has recurrent respiratory illness. This suggests likely immunocompromise or at least significant ongoing illness, relevant for decisions about live vaccines.

Step 2: Classify the vaccines in the options.
  • Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV): Killed/inactivated vaccine -- safe in immunocompromised patients, no contraindication.
  • Measles (MMR/Measles vaccine): Live attenuated vaccine (LAIV). Contraindicated in severely immunocompromised individuals because the attenuated virus can replicate and cause disease.
  • DPT: Contains diphtheria and tetanus toxoids + pertussis antigen. Not a live vaccine. Generally safe; mild illness is not a contraindication though severe illness warrants delay.
  • DT: Diphtheria-tetanus toxoid -- not live, generally safe.
Step 3: Apply to a 3-month-old with recurrent respiratory illness. Measles vaccine (live attenuated) is contraindicated in immunocompromised children. Furthermore, the standard schedule gives measles at 9-12 months in India, not at 3 months -- making it additionally inappropriate. The combination of live vaccine nature + immunocompromise risk + age makes Measles the contraindicated vaccine here.

Conclusion: Measles vaccine (live attenuated) is contraindicated in a 3-month-old with recurrent respiratory illness suggesting immunocompromise.
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