What vaccines are typically administered at 5 months of age?

At 5 months of age, a child typically receives a combination of vaccines designed to protect them against several serious infections. The selection that includes pneumococcal (Prevenar 13), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and hepatitis B is accurate because these vaccinations are part of the standard immunization schedule recommended for infants in many countries, including New Zealand.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps to prevent infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections. Diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccines (often combined into one shot known as DTaP) protect against these three bacterial diseases, all of which can be severe in young children. Polio vaccination is critical in preventing poliomyelitis, a debilitating disease that can cause paralysis. Lastly, the hepatitis B vaccine protects against hepatitis B virus, which can lead to chronic liver disease.

These vaccines are usually administered in multiple doses to ensure adequate immunity, and this specific combination at 5 months aligns with the recommendations on immunization schedules aimed at young children.