First dose of vitamin A should be given at:September 2005
**Core Concept**
Vitamin A supplementation is a critical public health intervention to prevent vitamin A deficiency, night blindness, and other related complications. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6-59 months in areas with high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is based on the WHO recommendation that the first dose of vitamin A should be given at 9 months of age. This is because vitamin A supplementation is most effective in preventing vitamin A deficiency and related complications when initiated early in life. The recommended schedule is as follows: a first dose at 9 months of age, with subsequent doses given every 4-6 months until the child reaches 5 years of age.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the first dose of vitamin A should not be given at birth. While vitamin A is essential for newborn health, the first dose of vitamin A is recommended at 9 months of age.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the recommended age for the first dose of vitamin A is 9 months, not 12 months.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because the first dose of vitamin A should not be given at 6 months of age. While vitamin A is essential for infant health, the recommended age for the first dose is 9 months.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The WHO recommends vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6-59 months in areas with high prevalence of vitamin A deficiency. The first dose should be given at 9 months of age, with subsequent doses given every 4-6 months until the child reaches 5 years of age.
**Correct Answer:** A. 9 months of age.