Which of the following options is a common vaccine given during infancy?

The pneumococcal vaccine is indeed a common vaccine administered during infancy. This vaccine protects against infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Infants are particularly vulnerable to these infections due to their developing immune systems, making vaccination essential in preventing these potentially life-threatening conditions.

The vaccination schedule in New Zealand includes the pneumococcal vaccine as part of the National Immunisation Schedule, typically given in multiple doses beginning at six weeks of age. This proactive approach helps to establish immunity early in life, reducing the risk of serious respiratory illnesses caused by pneumococcus.

In contrast, while the influenza vaccine and the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine are important, they are generally not initiated until later in infancy or early childhood. The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is usually not given until the pre-teen or teenage years, focusing on prevention of HPV-related cancers. Therefore, the timing and target age groups for these other vaccines differ significantly, highlighting the pneumococcal vaccine's relevance in the context of infant immunization.