Until the mid-1990s, Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain) in children. It was also responsible for other serious bacterial infections, including skin, throat, and joint infections. The widespread use of Hib vaccines in infancy has led to a dramatic decline in the incidence of invasive Hib disease in children. However, the disease remains common in countries that do not use the vaccine. Despite its name, Hib is not actually related to the influenza virus.
Timing and dose — There are several types of Hib vaccines available in the United States; one is given in three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age and as a booster dose at 12 to 15 months. The second type is given in two doses, at 2 and 4 months, and as a booster dose at 12 to 15 months of age. There are vaccines that combine the Hib vaccine with another vaccine, including Hib/hepatitis B vaccine and Hib/DTaP vaccine.
Hib vaccine precautions — There are no medical conditions that require a child to avoid receiving Hib vaccine, other than a severe allergic reaction to one of the vaccine components. Reactions (eg, fever, irritability) are uncommon after Hib vaccine. Local reactions, consisting of pain, redness, and/or swelling at the injection site occur in approximately 25 percent of children. Such local reactions usually are mild and resolve within 24 hours.
Hib vaccine effectiveness — Hib vaccines protect 95 to 100 percent of children from developing a serious infection caused by Hib.
Timing and dose — There are several types of Hib vaccines available in the United States; one is given in three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months of age and as a booster dose at 12 to 15 months. The second type is given in two doses, at 2 and 4 months, and as a booster dose at 12 to 15 months of age. There are vaccines that combine the Hib vaccine with another vaccine, including Hib/hepatitis B vaccine and Hib/DTaP vaccine.
Hib vaccine precautions — There are no medical conditions that require a child to avoid receiving Hib vaccine, other than a severe allergic reaction to one of the vaccine components. Reactions (eg, fever, irritability) are uncommon after Hib vaccine. Local reactions, consisting of pain, redness, and/or swelling at the injection site occur in approximately 25 percent of children. Such local reactions usually are mild and resolve within 24 hours.
Hib vaccine effectiveness — Hib vaccines protect 95 to 100 percent of children from developing a serious infection caused by Hib.
