At what age can the Hepatitis B vaccine be administered?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended to be administered at birth as part of the routine immunization schedule. This early vaccination is crucial because it helps protect newborns from contracting Hepatitis B, especially if the mother is a carrier of the virus. Administering the vaccine at birth facilitates early immunity development against this serious liver infection, which can lead to chronic disease and increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and liver cancer later in life.

While the Hepatitis B vaccine can be given at various points during early childhood, the initial dose is specifically targeted for administration at birth to provide immediate protection. Other suggested ages for vaccination, such as 6 months, 1 year, or 12 years, do not align with the recommended early childhood vaccination schedule for Hepatitis B. Hence, focusing on birth as the optimal time illustrates the importance of preventing possible transmission and ensuring the health of the infant from the very start.