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Hib - vaccine

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Haemophilus influenza organism
Haemophilus influenza organism
Haemophilus influenza organism
Haemophilus influenza organism
Hib immunization (vaccine)
Hib immunization (vaccine)

Alternative Names    Return to top

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine; Vaccine - Hib; Haemophilus influenzae B conjugate vaccine

Definition    Return to top

The HiB vaccine (immunization) prevents childhood Haemophilus influenzae B infections, which can cause severe and potentially deady illnesses.

Information    Return to top

WHO SHOULD GET THIS VACCINE

The Hib vaccine is one of the recommended childhood immunizations. Generally, states require proof that a child has received the vaccine prior to entry into daycare or preschool.

The Hib vaccine should not be given to children younger than 6 weeks of age.

Infants and toddlers should receive four total doses of the HiB vaccine. One dose should be given at each of the following ages:

Children over 5 years of age and adults do not need to receive immunization for Haemophilus influenzae type b unless they have certain medical conditions, including HIV, sickle cell disease, and some others. Ask your doctor if this applies to your child.

BENEFITS

Hib vaccine has been a great public health success story. Most infants who receiving three doses of this vaccine have long-term protection against the illnesses caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. These illnesses include meningitis, pneumonia, and infections of the blood, bones, and joints. Such serious infections are most common in children 6 to 12 months old, but may also occur in older children.

RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

Most infants who receive the Hib vaccine will have no side effects. Others may have minor problems such as soreness and redness at the injection site or a mild fever. Serious problems associated with receiving the immunization are rare and are mainly due to allergic reactions to parts of the vaccine.

Delay or do NOT give the vaccine if:

Watch for and be familiar with how to treat minor side effects, such as injection site tenderness or low-grade fever.

Call your health care provider if:

References    Return to top

American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Infectious Diseases. Recommended immunization schedules for children and adolescents--United States, 2008. Pediatrics. 2008 Jan;121(1):219-20.

Recommended Immunization Schedule for Persons Aged 7–18 Years--United States, 2008. MMWR. October 19, 2007 / 56(41);Q1-Q4.

Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Recommended adult immunization schedule: United States, October 2007-September 2008. Ann Intern Med. 2007 Nov 20;147(10):725-9.

Update Date: 6/18/2008

Updated by: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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