Which vaccine is recommended at birth?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth as part of the immunization schedule for infants. This vaccination is crucial because it protects newborns from potential infection with the Hepatitis B virus, which can be transmitted from infected mothers during childbirth. The immunization is usually administered within the first 24 hours of life to ensure that infants are protected as early as possible, especially since the virus can lead to chronic liver disease or liver cancer later in life.

In contrast, the other vaccines listed have different recommended timelines. The pneumococcal vaccine is typically given at 2 months of age; the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine is not administered until after the first year; and the diphtheria vaccine (part of the DTaP series) begins at 2 months of age. Thus, the timing and urgency of the Hepatitis B vaccination at birth emphasize its importance in preventing early infection.