At what age should a newborn receive the first DTaP vaccine?

The first DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis) vaccine is recommended to be administered at 2 months of age. This timing is critical because it allows the infant to start building immunity against these serious diseases early in life. Newborns begin life with some passive immunity acquired from their mothers, but this wanes quickly, making early vaccination essential to protect them against infections that can occur in infancy.

Receiving the DTaP vaccine at 2 months is part of a broader immunization schedule that includes additional doses at 4 months, 6 months, and between 15 to 18 months, which is designed to boost immunity and ensure sufficiently high levels of protection throughout childhood. Vaccinating at this recommended age helps to decrease the risk of outbreaks of these diseases and significantly lowers morbidity and mortality associated with them.