Hib Vaccine

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is the Hib vaccine?

• The Hib vaccine is a shot of medicine that helps prevent infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Hib is one of many types of Haemophilus influenza bacteria (germs) that can cause infections. The Hib bacteria may be found in the mouth, throat, or nose. The most common way of spreading the bacteria from person to person is by coughing and sneezing. Coming into contact with an infected person by kissing or sharing food, drinks, and utensils may also spread the bacteria. Hib bacteria may also spread after an ear, nose, throat, sinus, or brain infection.
  
  
• Before the Hib vaccine was discovered, the Hib bacteria were common causes of serious infections in children. Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children two months to five years of age. Meningitis is the infection and inflammation (swelling) of the fluid and lining that covers the brain and spinal cord. Hib bacteria can also cause sepsis (blood infection), epiglottitis (swelling of the throat), and pneumonia (infection of the lungs). Other organs may also get infected by the Hib bacteria, such as bones, joints, or the covering of the heart. Hib infections may lead to a severe (very bad) hearing problem, brain damage, and even death.

How does the Hib vaccine work?

• A part of the Hib bacteria is combined to a protein carrier to form the Hib vaccine. There are many types of Hib vaccine. Each type has different contents and protein carriers. Vaccines work by causing your body to make antibodies against certain germs. Antibodies are special cells in your blood that protect the body and fight infection. After you receive the Hib vaccine, these antibodies remember the Hib germs. Once you are exposed to these types of germs, your body quickly recognizes them. The antibodies become active and your body is better able to fight the germs.
  
  
• The Hib vaccine is injected into a muscle, and may be given into the thigh (upper leg) or arm. This may be given as a single Hib vaccine or combined with other vaccines. Ask your caregiver for more information on the types of Hib vaccine that may be given.

Who should get the Hib vaccine? The following should get the Hib vaccine:

• Children: Children two months to five years of age should receive the Hib vaccine. All infants, including those who were born prematurely, should start receiving the Hib vaccine at two months old.
  
  
• Others: Hib vaccine is not recommended in persons more than five years of age. This is because most people may already have antibodies against Hib infections from an earlier exposure to the Hib bacteria. However, those who may have a weak immune system may need the Hib vaccine. The immune system is the part of the body that normally fights off sickness and disease. Having any of the following conditions may weaken the immune system and make you need the Hib vaccine:
  
  
  • Cancer that is being treated with chemotherapy medicine.
    
    
  • HIV or AIDS.
    
    
  • Sickle cell disease or surgery where the spleen was removed.
    
    
  • Stem cell (bone marrow) transplant.

When should the Hib vaccine be given? The number and schedule (time) of Hib vaccine doses will depend on the person's age and type of Hib vaccine to be given. The schedule may also depend whether previous shots have been received. Hib vaccine may be given at the same time as other vaccines.

• Children: Children are given 3 to 4 doses with the first dose as early as two months old. The second dose is usually received two months after the first dose, and the third dose after another two months. A booster dose is given 6 to 9 months after the third dose.
  
  
• Others: At least one dose may be given to those who have certain problems or conditions and need the Hib vaccine.

What if a child missed a shot of Hib vaccine? If a child misses a scheduled dose of Hib vaccine, the rest of the recommended doses should be completed. The schedule is continued from the last dose as soon as possible. Ask your child's caregiver what to do if Hib vaccines are missed.

Who should not get the Hib vaccine? People who are at a higher risk of having bad effects from Hib vaccine should not get the vaccine. These people may not get the Hib vaccine at all or may need to receive the vaccine at a later date. This will depend on the condition that is putting the person at risk of having a bad effect.

• People who should not get the Hib vaccine:
  
  
  • Children who are less than six weeks old.
    
    
  • People who have had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any of the following:
    
    
    • Contents of the Hib vaccine, such as gelatin, thiomersal (mercury), or a particular protein carrier.
      
      
    • Previous shot of the Hib vaccine.
  
  
• People who should wait to get the Hib vaccine: Getting Hib vaccine should be delayed if you are moderately or severely (badly) ill with or without fever. Wait until you recover from your illness. Having colds or other mild diseases should not stop you from getting Hib vaccine.

Will those who get the Hib vaccines definitely not get sick? Hib vaccine only prevents infections that are specifically caused by Haemophilus type b bacteria. Type b is the kind that causes most of the Haemophilus influenza-related diseases. Hib infections may be prevented in almost all children who receive the Hib vaccine. There are still many other germs that may cause meningitis, pneumonia, colds, flu, and other infections. A child or an adult can still get infected and become sick with an illness caused by other bacteria or viruses. Ask your caregiver for more information on how you and your children can be protected from other diseases.

What are the risks of getting the Hib vaccine? As with any medicine, this vaccine has some risks. There is a very small chance that the vaccine can actually cause Hib infections. The person who received the vaccine or those who are in close contact with him may get infected. The area where the injection was given may develop swelling, tenderness, or infection. As with any vaccine, there is a very small chance that it could cause serious harm or death.

What are the signs and symptoms of a serious reaction to the Hib vaccine? A serious allergic reaction may have any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Hives (red, itchy bumps with burning feeling on the skin) that have spread all over the body.
  
  
• Loss of consciousness.
  
  
• Redness or swelling of the face.
  
  
• Swelling of the mouth and throat.
  
  
• Weakness, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat.
  
  
• Wheezing or trouble breathing.

What should I do if I develop a serious reaction to Hib vaccine?

• If you develop signs and symptoms of a serious reaction, seek medical care immediately . If you are having an allergic reaction, lie down with your legs up and have someone drive you to the nearest hospital or call 911. Make sure you tell the caregivers that you received the Hib vaccine. Tell them the date and time it was given. Ask your caregiver to put in a Vaccine Adverse Event Report or contact the following:
  • Vaccine Adverse Event Report
    Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research
    1401 Rockville Pike, Ste 200N
    Rockville, MD 20852-1448
    Phone: 1-800-835-4709
    Web Address: www.fda.gov/cber/vaers/vaers.htm
    
  
  
  
• If you were injured after receiving the Hib vaccine, you may file a claim to the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program . This is a federal program that helps pay for the care of anyone seriously injured or harmed by a vaccine. Contact information:
  • Health Resources and Services Administration National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program
    Parklawn Building, Room 11C-26, 5600 Fishers Lane
    Rockville , MD 20857
    Phone: 1-800-338-2382
    Web Address: http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/
    

Where can I get more information on the Hib vaccine?

• The National Immunization Program Public Inquiries
  1600 Clifton Road, Mailstop E-05
  Atlanta, GA 30333
  Phone: 1-800-232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/
  

• American Academy of Family Physicians
  PO Box 11210
  Shawnee Mission, KS 66207-1210
  Phone: 1-913-906-6000
  Web Address: http://www.aafp.org
  

• American Academy of Pediatrics
  141 Northwest Point Boulevard
  Elk Grove Village, IL 60007-1098
  Phone: 1-847-434-4000
  Web Address: http://www.aap.org
  

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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