HIB Vax Vaccine

Indications

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine protects young children against serious infections caused by Hib bacteria, including meningitis (infection of the brain lining), pneumonia, epiglottitis (dangerous throat swelling), blood infection and bone or joint infections. Despite its name, Hib does not cause flu. It is given alone or as part of combination vaccines such as pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines.

How It Works

The vaccine contains a purified sugar coating (polysaccharide) from the Hib bacterium joined (conjugated) to a carrier protein, such as tetanus toxoid. This joining helps the immature immune system of babies recognise the sugar coating and make long-lasting antibodies. The vaccine cannot cause Hib infection.

Dosage and Administration

It is given by a trained health worker as an injection into a muscle, usually the outer thigh in infants. The number and timing of doses follow the national immunisation schedule (in Bangladesh, the EPI schedule, where it is part of the pentavalent vaccine given in early infancy) or the doctor's advice. Older children and adults are vaccinated only in special situations, such as having no working spleen, as decided by a doctor.

Interactions

It can be given on the same day as other routine childhood vaccines, at different injection sites. Children receiving medicines that suppress the immune system may have a weaker response. Tell the health worker about any blood thinner or bleeding problem.

Contraindications

Do not give to a child who had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or to any component of the vaccine, including tetanus toxoid where it is the carrier. Vaccination is usually postponed during a moderate or severe illness with fever; a mild cold is not a reason to delay.

Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
• Mild fever
• Irritability, crying, sleepiness or loss of appetite

These usually pass within 1 to 2 days. When given as part of a combination vaccine, side effects of the other components may also occur.

Seek urgent medical help if the child has difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, widespread hives, a seizure, high fever above 40°C, becomes unusually floppy or unresponsive, or cries without stopping for 3 hours or more.

Pregnancy and Lactation

This vaccine is intended for infants and young children and is not routinely given in pregnancy. Breastfeeding does not affect the vaccine, and breastfed babies can be vaccinated normally.

Precautions and Warnings

Tell the health worker if the child was born very premature, has a bleeding disorder, a weakened immune system or had a reaction to an earlier vaccine. Wait about 30 minutes at the vaccination centre after the injection. Complete all doses in the schedule for full protection, and keep the vaccination card up to date.

Overdose

Overdose is unlikely because a health worker gives a single measured dose. An extra dose given by mistake may cause more soreness or fever; report it to the health worker.

Therapeutic Class

Vaccine; bacterial conjugate vaccine.

Storage

Store in a refrigerator at 2 to 8°C. Do not freeze, and protect from light. Handled and stored by health facilities as directed on the pack.