What is the minimum age for administering the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine?

The Hepatitis B vaccine is uniquely scheduled to be administered to newborns shortly after birth, making the minimum age for the first dose at birth. This immediate vaccination is crucial as it provides early protection against Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, which can be particularly severe and may lead to chronic liver disease and other significant health complications.

Administering the vaccine at birth is also important because it ensures that infants born to HBV-positive mothers receive timely prophylaxis, reducing the risk of mother-to-child transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health organizations recommend that the first dose be given within 24 hours of birth to maximize immunity and effectively reduce the risk of infection.

In contrast, the other options refer to later ages for vaccination and do not align with the recommended practices for Hepatitis B vaccination, which emphasize the urgency of protection immediately after birth. Therefore, recognizing the significance of early administration underlines that the correct age for the first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine is indeed at birth.