Which vaccine is typically administered starting at 12 months of age?

The vaccine that is typically administered starting at 12 months of age is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. The MMR vaccine is crucial for protecting against these three viral diseases, which can have serious complications. The CDC recommends that the first dose of the MMR vaccine be given between 12 and 15 months of age, with a second dose typically given between the ages of 4 and 6 years. This timing is important because the immune system at 12 months is generally better equipped to respond effectively to the vaccine.

In contrast, the Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccine is usually given before the age of 15 months, with a primary series typically completed by that time. The diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is generally started at 2 months of age and given in a series, with a booster recommended before school age. The hepatitis A vaccine is recommended starting at 1 year of age, but that is not until after the 12-month mark where the first dose is given. Therefore, the MMR vaccine specifically aligns with the 12-month age threshold for initial vaccination.