Hib Vaccine Injection

• Type: Preventive vaccine

• Full Name: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine

• Form: Sterile suspension for intramuscular (IM) injection

How It Works

• Hib vaccine contains purified polysaccharide (capsular antigen) from Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria, conjugated to a carrier protein.

• This conjugation helps stimulate a strong T-cell–dependent immune response, even in infants.

• The immune system produces antibodies against Hib, preventing invasive infections such as meningitis and pneumonia.

Common Uses

Hib vaccine is given to infants and young children to protect against:

• Meningitis caused by Hib

• Epiglottitis (life-threatening throat infection)

• Pneumonia

• Septic arthritis

• Cellulitis

• Bacteremia/sepsis

Dosing Schedule (General)

• Usually given as a series of 3 or 4 primary doses during infancy, plus a booster dose:

  • Dose 1: At 6 weeks or 2 months of age

  • Dose 2: At 4 months of age

  • Dose 3: At 6 months of age (if part of a 4-dose series)

  • Booster dose: At 12–15 months of age

• Often included in pentavalent or hexavalent combination vaccines with DTP, Hepatitis B, and polio.

Advantages

• Highly effective at preventing Hib-related meningitis and other severe infections

• Has dramatically reduced incidence of Hib meningitis worldwide

• Can be safely given along with other routine childhood vaccines

Possible Side Effects

Mild/Temporary:

• Redness, pain, or swelling at injection site

• Low-grade fever

• Irritability or fussiness in infants

Rare but Serious:

• Severe allergic reaction (very rare)

Precautions

• Should not be given to children with a severe allergic reaction to a previous Hib vaccine dose

• Not usually required for healthy children over 5 years old

• Recommended for certain high-risk adults (e.g., those without a spleen or with immune system disorders)