Which vaccine is given at 12 months of age to protect against measles?

The MMR vaccine is administered at 12 months of age to provide protection against three significant viral infections: measles, mumps, and rubella. The timing of this vaccine is crucial because by the age of 12 months, an infant's immune system is typically developed enough to respond effectively to the vaccine's components, producing the necessary antibodies to confer immunity.

Measles is a highly contagious disease with potentially serious complications, including pneumonia and encephalitis. By immunizing children at this age, healthcare providers aim to minimize the risk of outbreak and protect not only the vaccinated individual but also the wider community through herd immunity.

In contrast, the other vaccines listed serve different purposes and are administered at different times in a child's vaccination schedule. DTaP is given to protect against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis, but it is typically administered in a series starting at 2 months of age. IPV protects against polio and is also part of the early childhood vaccination series. Varicella is given to prevent chickenpox and is usually administered later in childhood, typically around 12-15 months of age, not as early as 12 months. Therefore, MMR is the correct choice as it directly addresses the