Which vaccine is given at 9 months?

The vaccine given at 9 months is the measles vaccine. This timing aligns with the recommended immunization schedules established for children. The measles vaccine, often administered as part of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, is crucial for building immunity against measles, a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to severe health complications.

The administration of the measles vaccine at this age is significant because measles typically has an incubation period of 10 to 14 days, and the immune response can be influenced by maternal antibodies that a child might still have. By 9 months, many of these maternal antibodies wane, allowing the vaccine to be effective. This is particularly important as outbreaks can occur in unvaccinated populations, and infants are at higher risk of severe illness if infected.

Other vaccines mentioned, such as hepatitis B and DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus), are administered at different points in an infant's immunization schedule. The MMR vaccine is specifically scheduled for administration starting at 12 months, with the initial measles component often being given around 9 months in certain circumstances, especially in areas where there is a higher risk of measles outbreaks.