Which vaccine is administered to infants first at birth?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is administered to infants first at birth as part of standard neonatal care. This timing is crucial as it provides protection against the Hepatitis B virus, which can lead to serious liver disease, including chronic infection and liver cancer, if contracted early in life. Administering this vaccine at birth ensures that any exposure to the virus during delivery or shortly thereafter is counteracted, thereby significantly reducing the risk of transmission.

This vaccine is typically given within the first 24 hours after birth, making it a key part of the immunization schedule. The rationale for early vaccination is based on the understanding that Hepatitis B is highly infectious, and the risk of transmission from an infected mother to her child during childbirth is particularly high. As such, initiating the vaccination process right after birth establishes a critical protective barrier for the infant.

In contrast, other vaccines mentioned, such as the Hepatitis A, MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), and DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), are administered at later stages as part of a comprehensive immunization schedule that begins after the infant's first month and extends through early childhood. This staggered approach ensures that infants receive vaccines at ages optimal for their