Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib)
What is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is bacteria that causes serious disease. It usually
occurs in children younger than age 5. It's spread from person-to-person by coughing
and sneezing. If the germs spread into tissues like the lungs or to the bloodstream,
Hib can cause serious illness. This includes:
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Meningitis. This is an infection of the coverings of the spinal cord and brain.
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Pneumonia. This is an infection in the lungs.
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Epiglottitis. This is severe swelling in the throat.
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Otitis media. This is an infection of the inner ear.
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Other infections. These include infections of the sinuses, blood, joints, bones, and covering of the
heart.
Vaccine for Hib
Illness caused by Hib has been nearly abolished in the U.S. since 1987. That's because
of a vaccine. In rare cases, children and adults may still develop Hib infections.
This can occur if the person has not completed their series of vaccines. Or it can
happen in older children and adults who didn't get the vaccine earlier in life. Or
if they have lost their immunity from the vaccine from certain illnesses or medicines.
When is the Hib vaccine given?
The Hib vaccine is given to babies and children in 3 or 4 doses depending on the brand
of vaccine at these ages:
Children younger than 6 weeks of age should not get the Hib vaccine. Children who have
a moderate to severe illness with or without a fever should wait until they are well
to get the Hib vaccine. Children who should not get Hib include those who have had
a severe reaction to the Hib vaccine. Your child's healthcare provider will advise
you on the vaccine in these and other cases.
What are the risks of the Hib vaccine?
A vaccine is like any medicine. It can rarely cause major side effects, such as an
allergic reaction. The risk of Hib causing serious harm or death is very small. Its
benefits well outweigh this risk. Most people who get the Hib vaccine don't have any
problems with it. Some minor reactions may include:
How do I care for my child after getting the Hib vaccine?
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Give your child aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, as
directed by your child's healthcare provider. Never give a child aspirin as it can
cause serious liver disease and death.
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An allergic reaction would most likely occur within a few minutes to a few hours of
the shot. Signs of an allergic reaction may include:
Report these or any other unusual signs to your child's healthcare provider right
away. Call 911 or get immediate care for severe allergic reactions.