Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP): Recommended Immunization Schedule (2023) and Update on Immunization for Children Aged 0 Through 18 Years.

JUSTIFICATION: In view of new developments in vaccinology and the availability of new vaccines, there is a need to revise/review the existing immunization recommendations. PROCESS: The Advisory Committee on Vaccines and Immunization Practices (ACVIP) of Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP) had a physical meeting on March 25, 2023, at Vaccicon, Kolkata, followed by online meetings to discuss the updates and new recommendations. Opinion of each member was sought on the various recommendations and updates, following which an evidence-based consensus was reached. The contents were finalized on September 8, 2023, during the National Conference of Pediatric - Infectious Diseases (NCPID) at Aurangabad. An online meeting of all members was held on November 15, 2023 and the recommendations were finalized. Objectives: To review and revise the IAP immunization recommendations of 2020-21 and issue recommendations on existing and new vaccines. RECOMMENDATIONS: The major changes include recommendation of HPV vaccine for boys; a 2-dose schedule of 9vHPV for boys and girls aged 9-14 y; a dose of Td vaccine at 16-18 y; guidance for injectable polio vaccine (IPV) for those patients who are changing from National Immunization Program to IAP schedule.

Surveillance for Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip in India: Consensus Guidelines From the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, National Neonatology Forum of India, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Indian Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, and Indian Orthopaedic Association.

JUSTIFICATION: When developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is diagnosed during infancy, conservative management is often successful, with good long-term outcomes. In India, DDH is often not diagnosed until walking age and there are limited guidelines for its screening. PROCESS: A multidisciplinary Expert Group consisting of members of the Paediatric Orthopaedic Society of India, Indian Academy of Pediatrics, National Neonatology Forum of India, Indian Radiological and Imaging Association, Indian Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India, and Indian Orthopaedic Association worked collaboratively to develop surveillance guidelines for DDH. OBJECTIVES: To enhance the early detection rate of DDH in India through development and implementation of a standardized surveillance care pathway, thus reducing the burden of late-presenting DDH. RECOMMENDATIONS: Routine clinical hip examinations must be performed on all infants at birth and during immunization visits at these approximate time points: 6, 10, and 14 weeks; 6, 9, 12, 15, and 18 months of age. Assessments include Ortolani and Barlow tests for infants <14 weeks; limited hip abduction and leg length discrepancy for infants >14 weeks; and evaluation of limp in walking children. If clinical examination is abnormal or inconclusive, referral to orthopedics for further evaluation and management is recommended. In infants younger than 6 weeks with positive Barlow test but negative Ortolani test, hip ultrasound is recommended at 6 weeks of age. Infants must also be screened for DDH risk factors: breech presentation, family history of DDH, unsafe hip swaddling, and hip instability at any previous clinical examination. In infants with risk factors but normal clinical examination, further evaluation should include ultrasound taken no earlier than 6 weeks of age for infants younger than 14 weeks, ultrasound or X-ray for infants 14 weeks to 6 months of age, and X-ray for infants older than 6 months. Referral to an orthopedic surgeon is recommended if radiological tests are abnormal.