The first vaccine typically given to a newborn baby is the Hepatitis B (HepB) vaccine.
According to the provided information from UpToDate, the HepB vaccine is listed for administration at birth.
Infant Vaccination Schedule at Birth
Here is a summary of the vaccination recommended at birth based on the reference:
| Age | Vaccine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | Hepatitis B (HepB) | Depending on which type of HepB vaccine they get, some infants need 4 doses in total, while others need 3. |
About the Hepatitis B Vaccine
The Hepatitis B vaccine protects against infection with the Hepatitis B virus, which can cause serious liver disease. The dose given at birth is crucial for providing early protection.
- Dosing: As noted, the total number of doses in the HepB series can vary (3 or 4) depending on the specific vaccine product used.
- Timing: While the first dose is given at birth, subsequent doses are administered later in infancy. The reference notes that the second dose is typically given at 2 months of age, though it can be given between 1 and 2 months.
This early vaccination helps protect newborns from potential exposure to the virus shortly after birth.
For a comprehensive look at the recommended vaccines for infants and young children, you can refer to the detailed guidelines available from sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or resources like the UpToDate article on vaccines for children age 0 to 6 years.
