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

The recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) is to begin administering the hepatitis A vaccine to all children starting at 12 months of age. This age is significant because it ensures that children have sufficient immune response capability to effectively mount a protective response to the vaccine. The hepatitis A vaccine provides important protection against a virus that causes liver disease, and starting the vaccination series at 12 months aligns with broader public health strategies to control potential outbreaks of the disease, especially in high-risk populations and areas.

The other choices suggest earlier or later ages for vaccination that do not align with current ACIP recommendations. Administering the vaccine at 6 months, 5 years, or 11 years does not effectively align with the timing when children are most likely to benefit from the vaccine, both in terms of safety and immunogenicity. Thus, starting at 12 months is the correct practice, as it provides optimal protection during early childhood.