At what age should a child receive their first dosage of the Hepatitis B vaccine?

The first dosage of the Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to be administered at birth. This early vaccination is crucial for protecting newborns against Hepatitis B, which is a serious liver infection caused by the Hepatitis B virus. Infants can contract the virus from their mothers during childbirth if they are infected. By vaccinating at birth, healthcare providers can effectively reduce the risk of transmission and ensure that the child has early immunity against the virus. The timing also aligns with the broader immunization schedule that is designed to provide protective vaccinations before children encounter potentially harmful pathogens in their environments.

Other ages, such as 1 month, 6 months, or 12 months, are not appropriate for the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine, as the foundational immunity established right after birth is essential for long-term protection. Subsequent doses are administered according to a schedule, but starting at birth is critical for the initial immune response.