Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

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  • WHAT IT PROTECTS AGAINST

    • Haemophilus Influenza
      • Bacterial Meningitis
      • Pneumonia
      • Throat swelling

  • WHO IT’S FOR

    Infants and young children

  • WHEN IT’S ROUTINELY GIVEN

    • 2 months
    • 4 months
    • 6 months
    • 12-15 months

  • BENEFITS

    • Protects against serious illness and complications caused by Hib like:
      • Bacterial Meningitis (swelling around the brain and spinal cord)
      • Pneumonia (lung infection)
      • Epiglottis (severe swelling in the throat, making breathing difficult)
      • Bloodstream infections
      • Bone and joint infections
    • These infections can be very serious, and even fatal, especially in babies and young children.
    • Prevents emergency room visits and hospital stays
    • Helps stop the illness from spreading to others

  • POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

    • Soreness around injection site
    • Mild fever
    • Fussiness
    • Tiredness
    • Decreased appetite
    • Vomiting
    • Serious allergic reactions are rare

    Side effects from vaccines are usually mild and temporary. It’s always good to keep in mind that vaccine side effects are minor compared to the more severe health issues that can be caused if you get sick with the disease.

  • VACCINE PRODUCTS (available in the United States)

    • ActHIB – 4 dose series
    • Hiberix – 4 dose series
    • PedvaxHIB – 3 dose series

    Combination vaccines (protect against more than one disease):

    • Pentacel – DTaP, inactivated Poliovirus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (DTaP-IPV/Hib)
    • Vaxelis – DTaP, inactivated Poliovirus, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Hepatitis B vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB)

  • COMMON QUESTIONS

    Is Hib like the regular flu?

    No, although their names sound similar, they are very different illnesses. Hib is caused by bacteria, not a virus like influenza. It is most dangerous for babies and young children.