What vaccination is recommended for infants to receive within 24 hours of birth?

The Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for infants to receive within 24 hours of birth as part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) immunization schedule. This vaccination is crucial because it protects infants against the Hepatitis B virus, which can lead to chronic liver disease and put them at risk of serious liver complications later in life. Administering it shortly after birth ensures that infants are protected right from the start, especially if the mother is a carrier of the virus.

Other vaccinations mentioned have different timing and indications. For instance, the Influenza vaccine (IIV3) is typically not administered to infants under six months of age, and it is specifically given during the influenza season. Hepatitis A is generally recommended at a later age, starting at 12 months, and the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine is usually given at 12-15 months of age, with a second dose at 4-6 years. Thus, Hepatitis B is uniquely positioned in the immunization schedule to be given shortly after birth, highlighting its importance in preventing early life transmission of the virus.