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This vaccine is important because it has been the reason
for the near eradication of bacterial meningitis caused by
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in the United States.
Before the introduction of the Hib vaccine, this bacterium
was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children
under the age of 5, and each year it caused approximately 20,000 cases
of severe Hib infection and 1,000 deaths. Even
though there are few Hib cases now, prevention is still the
key to not contracting Haemophilus influenzae type b, and the
most effective preventive method is vaccination.
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Who should receive the Hib vaccine?
In order for the Hib vaccine to be fully effective,
four doses* should be given to children when they are the
following ages:
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2 months
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4 months
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6 months*
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12 to 15 months (booster)
*Depending upon the kind of Hib vaccine a health care
provider uses, the dose usually given at 6 months of age
may not be needed. Your health care provider will inform you
if this dose is not needed.
Some older children and adults also would benefit from the
Hib vaccine. This includes those with sickle cell anemia,
HIV/AIDS, absence or removal of the spleen, recipients of
bone marrow transplants and those being treated for cancer
with drugs that affect the immune system.
Review the
vaccination
schedule for those who start late on a vaccine or are more than one
month behind.
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When did the Hib vaccine become available?
The Hib vaccine was licensed originally in the United States
in 1985. The current vaccine was licensed by the
Food and
Drug Administration in 1987.
How does someone become infected with Hib?
This bacterium is spread by person-to-person contact.
How effective is the Hib vaccine?
Since the introduction of the Hib vaccine, the number of
cases of invasive Hib disease in infants and children has
decreased by 99 percent.
Are there any side effects of the Hib vaccine?
Serious risks from the Hib vaccine are quite rare as
compared to the life-threatening risks associated with
contracting Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Mild side effects may include:
-
injection-site soreness and,
sometimes, swelling and redness
-
mild fever
How do I learn more about this vaccine?
The best person to ask about this or any vaccine is your
child’s pediatrician or your primary health care provider.
Your provider can answer your questions and give you more
information on the Hib vaccine.
Immunization is the best thing you can do for your child to protect
against Hib.
 
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