What is the recommended schedule for the hepatitis B vaccine?

The recommended schedule for the hepatitis B vaccine is typically a series of three doses administered at specific intervals. The first dose is given at birth, the second dose at one month of age, and the third dose at six months of age. This schedule is designed to ensure adequate immune response and long-term protection against hepatitis B virus infection.

Administering three doses helps achieve high levels of protective antibodies within the target population, particularly in newborns who are at risk of acquiring the virus from infected mothers. The timing of the doses is critical, as it aligns with the natural development of the immune system in infants, optimizing their ability to respond to the vaccine effectively.

Other options provided may suggest different dosing schedules that do not align with the established guidelines recommended by health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which emphasizes the three-dose regimen for effective immunization against hepatitis B.