I want to talk about six vaccines given to children under 12 months old. Three of them, in my opinion, are absolutely essential and life-saving.

  • DTaP vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis): This is the most crucial, as tetanus has no cure.
  • HIB vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type B): Protects against bacterial meningitis, which causes dangerous brain swelling.
  • PCV vaccine (pneumococcal): Shields against meningitis and pneumonia, both of which can be fatal for young children.

The remaining vaccines may be optional depending on travel and geographic location:

  • Hepatitis A
  • Hepatitis B
  • Polio
  • Rotavirus