When is immunity the strongest?

The strongest immunity typically occurs after a child has had a chance to build a robust immune response, which can be particularly evident around 18 months of age. At this stage, a child's immune system has had the opportunity to develop through exposure to various pathogens and is often fortified by early vaccinations that are given during infancy. These vaccinations stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies, leading to a heightened ability to fend off infections.

Additionally, by 18 months, many children have started to wean off breast milk, which can provide passive immunity, while their own immune systems are becoming more capable of mounting an effective defense. This developmental timing allows children to experience both the benefits of maternal immunity and their own burgeoning immune responses, making this period crucial for establishing strong immunity.

While individuals over the age of 60 and those recovering from an illness may have specific immune considerations, the innate and adaptive immune responses in very young children show significant development around the age of 18 months, making them particularly noted for strong immunity during this stage of development.