HIB, Haemophilus Influenzae Type b Vaccine

Author:Dr. P. Siva Bharathi, M.D (Peds), AB (USA).

What is Hib disease?

This is a serious disease caused by a bacteria(Hib). It usually affects children under 5 years age. Usually children get Hib disease by being around other children or adults who may have the bacteria. The germs spread from person to person. If the germs stay in the child’s nose and throat, the child probably will not get sick. But sometimes the germs spread into the lungs or the bloodstream, and then Hib can cause serious problems like meningitis (Brain fever) and Pneumonia. Hib vaccine can prevent Hib disease.

When to give Hib Vaccine?

Indian Academy of pediatrics recommends Hib Vaccine to children as follows:

• Dose 1: 6 weeks
• Dose 2:10 weeks
• Dose 3:14 weeks
• Booster dose: 15-18 months

If your child miss a dose or get behind schedule, get the next dose as soon as you can. There is no need to start over. Children over 5 years old usually do not need Hib vaccine. But some older children with special conditions like sickle cell disease, removal of the spleen, bone marrow transplant etc might need this vaccine.

Who should not get Hib Vaccine?

Children who had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of Hib vaccine should not get another dose.

What are the side effects from Hib vaccine?

Most people who get Hib vaccine do not have any problems with it. Mild Problems like redness, warmth and swelling on the injection site or fever. If these problems happen, they usually start within a day of vaccination.

What to do if there is any moderate or severe reaction?

Call the doctor, or get the person to a doctor right away

“Content Source: Centers for Disease Control and prevention, Indian Academy of pediatrics”