What vaccine is given to children at 10 weeks as part of routine immunization?

The pentavalent vaccine is administered to children at 10 weeks as a part of the routine immunization schedule. This vaccine is significant because it provides combined protection against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

The timing of the pentavalent vaccine at 10 weeks aligns with immunization protocols aimed at ensuring children receive critical protection against these diseases during early childhood when they are most vulnerable. This is particularly important since the immune system of infants is still developing and they are at higher risk of severe complications from these infectious diseases.

Other vaccines mentioned, like chickenpox (typically given later) and measles (often administered at 9 months of age), are not part of the routine immunization schedule at this specific age. Hepatitis B can be given earlier, but usually, the pentavalent vaccine encompasses it along with other critical immunizations in one single shot. Therefore, the pentavalent vaccine is the correct choice for routine immunization at 10 weeks.