H. Influenzae type b (HIB) is a serious disease caused by bacteria that afflicts children younger than 5 years old. Before there was a vaccine, HIB was the main cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years old. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal coverings, which can lead to brain damage and deafness. HIB can also cause:
pneumonia
severe swelling in the throat, making it hard to breathe
infections of the blood, joints, bones, and heart covering
death
Who Should Get the HIB Vaccine and When?
Children should receive the HIB vaccine at:
2 months of age
4 months of age
6 months of age
12 to 15 months of age
Depending on the brand of HIB vaccine that your doctor uses, your child might not need the dose at 6 months. Your doctor or nurse will tell you if this dose is needed.
Children over 5 years old usually do not need HIB vaccine. But some older children with special health conditions should get it. These conditions include sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, bone morrow transplant, or cancer treatment. Talk with your doctor or nurse for details.
Who Shouldn't Receive the HIB Vaccine?
People who have ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to a previous dose of HIB should not get another dose.
Children less than 6 weeks old should not receive the HIB vaccine.
People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is scheduled should wait until they recover before receiving the vaccine.
What are the Risks from the HIB Vaccine?
Like any medicine, a vaccine is capable of causing serious problems such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of HIB vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.
Mild Problems:
Redness, warmth, or swelling where the shot was given
Moderate Problems:
These are rare, but include high fever, serious allergic reactions, or behavior changes.
