Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine

Haemophilus influenzae type B, or Hib, disease is caused by a bacterial infection. It usually strikes children under five years old. Hib disease can lead to:

• Death
• Meningitis
• Other types of infections
• Pneumonia
• Swelling in the throat

People can carry Hib bacteria and not know it. These germs can spread from person to person, usually through droplets from an infected person. When the germs stay in the nose and throat, sickness will probably not occur. But when they spread into the lungs or the bloodstream, they can cause serious problems.

Before the vaccine, severe Hib disease affected about 20,000 US children under age five.

Symptoms include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Other symptoms, depending on the part of the body affected
• Stiff neck
• Vomiting

It usually takes less than 10 days after being exposed to develop symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics.

The Hib vaccine is made from inactivated elements of the bacteria. It is injected into the muscle.

In general, children should get doses at:

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

But, in some cases, your child may only need three doses. This depends on which brand the doctor uses.

Also, if a dose is missed, talk to the doctor. There are different catch-up schedules depending on the brand and your child's age.

This vaccine is not routinely recommended for children aged five years or older or adults. But, it may be given if you or your child was not vaccinated before and have certain conditions, such as:

• HIV
• Leukemia
• Removal of the spleen
• Sickle cell disease

Like any vaccine, the Hib vaccine can cause serious problems, such as a severe allergic reaction. While most people do not have any problems, some have redness, warmth, or swelling near the injection site, as well as a fever.

Acetaminophen (eg, Tylenol) is sometimes given to reduce pain and fever that may occur after getting a vaccine. In infants, the medicine may weaken the vaccine's effectiveness. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking acetaminophen with the doctor.

The following people should not get the vaccine:

• Children aged over five years or younger than six weeks
• People who are moderately to severely ill (They need to wait until they have recovered.)
• People who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of Hib vaccine

Antibiotics may be given to infants and young children who have not been vaccinated and have been exposed to the disease.

In the event of an outbreak, public health officials will determine who is at risk and vaccinate people.