At what age should a child receive their first dose of the OPV vaccine?

The first dose of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) is typically administered at 6 weeks of age. This timing is crucial as it aligns with the infant's growing vulnerability to diseases and the aim of ensuring immunity builds as early as possible.

The vaccination schedule is designed to protect children before they might be exposed to poliovirus, as the risk of transmission can vary. Delaying the vaccination until later ages, such as 9 months, 12 months, or 15 months, can leave a child susceptible during critical development periods.

This early administration integrates into the broader immunization schedule, which aims to provide foundational protection against poliovirus, reducing the risk of its spread and the serious health consequences associated with it. Therefore, the correct age for the first dose of the OPV vaccine is 6 weeks.