What immunization is given at birth?

Hepatitis B immunization is recommended at birth as part of the standard immunization schedule. Administering the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine shortly after birth is crucial because it helps to protect the newborn from hepatitis B, a serious liver infection that can lead to chronic disease and liver complications later in life. Timing the vaccine in the early days of life is particularly important, especially for infants born to mothers who are hepatitis B positive, as it significantly reduces the risk of transmission from mother to child.

The other vaccines listed—DTaP, MMR, and varicella—are not administered at birth. DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) is typically given starting at two months of age. MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) is generally administered at 12-15 months of age, and varicella (chicken pox vaccine) is also given at 12-15 months. Thus, they do not fulfill the criteria for immunization at birth.