If an 11 year old child never got the hepatitis B vaccine series, what is the minimum time required between dose 1 and dose 3?

The minimum time required between the first and third doses of the hepatitis B vaccine series for a child is 16 weeks. The hepatitis B vaccination schedule typically consists of three doses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, the first dose can be administered at any time, followed by the second dose which is given at least 4 weeks after the first. The third dose should be given at least 16 weeks after the first dose.

This requirement ensures that the immune response is adequately developed, contributing to effective long-term immunity. The spacing between doses is crucial for ensuring that the vaccine is effective and that it adheres to the recommended immunization schedule. It is essential for healthcare professionals to follow these timing guidelines to optimize the immunization outcome for the child.