Haemophilus influenza B (HIB) is important cause of pneumonia and blood-borne disease (sepsis) in the newborn. Vaccination against HIB has significantly reduced these infections. Many more children would get HIB without the HIB vaccine.

Children who are over 5 years of age usually do not require this vaccination. Older children and adults who have a poorly functioning immune system may be candidates for HIB vaccine.

Brand names of this vaccine include:

• PedvaxHIB
• ACT-HIB
• Hiberix
• Infanrix-HIB
• COMVAX
• Combines HIB with hepatitis B vaccine.

Administration

• The HIB vaccine should be delayed if the child is ill at the time the shot is scheduled. Only your doctor can determine if the shot should be delayed.
• The HIB vaccine should be administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. A final dose is administered at 12 to 15 months of age.
• If the PedvaxHIB (Merck) is used then the 6-month dose may be skipped as long as the 2 and 4-month doses were administered.
• COMVAX should be administered no earlier than 6 weeks of age. Current vaccination recommendations include three doses administered at 2 months, 4 months, and then 12 to 15 months of age.

Side Effects
The HIB is one of the safest of all the vaccines and may be associated with redness, warmth or swelling where the shot was administered for 2 to 3 days (1 out of 4 doses). Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to control pain. Do not use aspirin.

Other less common reactions (1 out of every 100 doses) include:

• Fever over 101 degrees F.
• Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be used to control fever.
• Do not use aspirin.
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Persistent crying

Severe allergic reactions to HIB are very rare. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Hoarseness
• Wheezing
• Hives
• Pale and sweaty
• Severe weakness
• Fast heart beat
• Dizziness