Hib Vaccine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 6, 2024.

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What is the Hib vaccine?

The Hib vaccine is an injection given in 3 or 4 doses to help prevent a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection. Hib is a common bacterial infection that spreads when a person coughs, sneezes, or shares utensils. The Hib vaccine is often given with polio, hepatitis B, pneumococcal, and DTaP vaccines. Your child may need these or other childhood vaccines at certain ages.

Who should get the Hib vaccine?

• Infants and children 2 months to 4 years:
  • The first dose at 2 months
  • The second dose at 4 months
  • The third dose at 6 months (if needed)
  • A booster dose at 12 to 15 months
  
  
• Children and adults at high risk from any of the following may need 1 or more doses if not already vaccinated:
  • Immunoglobulin deficiency, early component complement deficiency
  • A stem cell or bone marrow transplant
  • Sickle cell disease or a damaged spleen
  • Surgery to remove the spleen
  • Chemo or radiation treatment
  • HIV

What should I do if my child misses a dose of the Hib vaccine?

Talk to your child's doctor about when to bring your child in for a catch-up dose.

Who should not get the Hib vaccine or should wait to get it?

Your child should not get the Hib vaccine if he or she had an allergic reaction to the vaccine. Your child should not get the vaccine if he or she is allergic to latex, gelatin, thimerosal (mercury), or any other part of the vaccine. Tell your child's doctor about all of your child's allergies. If your child is sick or has a fever, wait until he or she recovers before getting the vaccine.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• measles virus vaccine/mumps virus vaccine/rubella virus vaccine/varicella virus vaccine
• ProQuad
• Rotarix
• RotaTeq
• rotavirus vaccine

Call your local emergency number (911 in the US) if:

• Your child's mouth and throat are swollen.
• Your child is wheezing or having trouble breathing.
• Your child has chest pain or his or her heart is beating faster than usual.
• Your child feels like he or she is going to faint.

When should I seek immediate care?

• Your child's face is red or swollen.
• Your child has hives that spread over his or her body.

When should I call my child's doctor?

• Your child feels weak or dizzy.
• Your child has increased pain, redness, or swelling around the area where the shot was given.
• You have questions or concerns about the Hib vaccine.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's healthcare providers to decide what care you want for your child. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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Further information

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