Hib Vaccine for Kids

Overview

What Is the Hib Vaccine?

The Hib vaccine protects against bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). These germs can cause meningitis — swelling around the brain and spinal cord — and other serious infections, some of which can be life-threatening.

Hib infections in the U.S. are rare thanks to the Hib vaccine. But the infections still cause many deaths each year in other countries and can be spread by people who travel, so the vaccine is an important part of staying healthy.

The Hib vaccine is safe and causes few side effects. It’s especially helpful for babies and other young children who are more likely to get very sick from Hib infections.

Why Is the Hib Vaccine Important?

The Hib vaccine provides long-term protection from many different infections that are caused by Hib bacteria, including certain kinds of:

• meningitis
• pneumonia
• pericarditis (an infection of the membrane covering the heart)
• infections of the blood, bones, and joints

Hib bacteria had been the leading cause of meningitis in children younger than 5 years old until the Hib vaccine became available. Hib bacteria also used to be a common cause of infections in the ears, lungs, blood, skin, and joints in children.

When you get your child vaccinated with the Hib vaccine, you’re helping prevent the spread of Hib infections, so you’re also protecting other people. This includes babies who are too young to get the vaccine, people who are severely allergic to it, and people with some serious illnesses. Getting the vaccine can also help prevent outbreaks (when more people get sick with a disease than expected in one area).

Is the Hib Vaccine Safe?

Doctors have given the Hib vaccine to millions of people for decades, and it’s a safe and proven way to help your child’s body fight off Hib infections. In fact, the Hib vaccine is part of the routine vaccine schedule.

How Does the Hib Vaccine Work?

The Hib vaccine contains a small piece of Hib bacteria that’s killed, or inactivated. (The vaccine can’t cause infections.) After someone is given the vaccine, the body’s immune system makes proteins called antibodies, which can spot the germ. These antibodies last a long time in the body. This means that if the person is later exposed to an infection caused by Hib bacteria, the antibodies are in place and the body knows how to fight the infection so the person doesn’t get sick. This is called immunity.

When Should My Child Get the Hib Vaccine?

To give your child the best protection, it’s important to follow the routine Hib vaccine schedule.

Routine Hib Vaccine Schedule

Babies and toddlers get the Hib vaccine as a shot at ages:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months (however, some of the Hib vaccines do not require a dose at 6 months)
• 12–15 months (a booster shot, which is a dose to help “boost” protection)

Kids ages 15 months through 5 years old who are getting the vaccine for the first time usually need only one dose.

Kids With Weakened Immune Systems

Children ages 12 months through 5 years old may need more doses if their immune systems are weak due to things like asplenia (when the spleen is missing or not working properly), HIV infection, chemotherapy, or radiation treatment.

The vaccine isn’t routinely recommended for kids older than 5 unless they have a condition that weakens the immune system and haven’t been fully vaccinated. Kids who already had the Hib vaccine might need it again after a stem cell transplant.

Combination Vaccines

Sometimes doctors give the Hib vaccine in combination (in the same shot) with other vaccines, like DTaP, IPV, or HepB vaccines.

What Are the Possible Side Effects of the Hib Vaccine?

The Hib vaccine can cause mild side effects that go away after a couple of days, like a fever and pain, redness, or swelling in the area where the shot was given. As with any vaccine, there’s a small risk of fainting and a very small chance of an allergic reaction.

Caring for Your Child After the Hib Vaccine

For pain or fever, check with your doctor to see if you can give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and to find out the right dose. Do not give ibuprofen to babies under 6 months unless your doctor tells you to.

A cool, damp cloth or a heating pad at the site of the shot may help reduce soreness, as can moving or using the arm or leg.

When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call your doctor if your child has any symptoms of an allergic reaction (like swelling or reddening of the face, or hives) or doesn’t feel well after getting the vaccine.

When to Delay or Avoid the Hib Vaccine

Kids can still get the Hib vaccine if they have a simple cold or other minor illness. Your doctor might choose to delay the vaccine if your child has a more serious illness.

Talk to your doctor if your child ever had a serious allergic reaction or any allergic reaction after an earlier dose of a Hib vaccine.