ACIP recommends the hepatitis A vaccine to be administered to all children starting at which age?

The recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is for the hepatitis A vaccine to be administered to all children starting at 12 months of age. This timing is essential as it provides adequate immunization against hepatitis A, a viral liver disease that can spread through contaminated food and water, as well as through close contact with an infected person. By introducing the vaccine at 12 months, children have the opportunity to develop a strong immune response before they are likely to encounter situations where they could be exposed to the virus, especially when they begin to engage in more social interactions and eating from communal sources.

Starting the vaccination after 12 months ensures that the immune system is sufficiently mature to respond effectively to the vaccine, thus maximizing the chances of long-term protection against the disease.