Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)

About the Hib vaccine

  • The Hib vaccine protects against infection from the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
  • In the Yukon, Hib is a part of the combination immunization DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib, which protects infants and children from diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, Hepatitis B, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B, all in one vaccine.
  • This vaccine is given as a three-dose series.
  • The Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine is given to some people 5 years of age and older with certain medical conditions. 
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    • Hib immunization is recommended for children under 5 years of age as part of the routine childhood immunizations
       
    • The routine Yukon immunization schedule recommends:
    • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio, and Haemophilus influenzae (DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib) vaccine at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months of age; and
    • Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae (DTaP-IPV-Hib) vaccine at 18 months of age.
      • After the dose at 18 months, children have completed the primary series against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenzae type B.
    • People with certain medical conditions (e.g. anatomic or functional asplenia, congenital immunodeficiency) are also recommended to receive Hib vaccine. Please discuss with your healthcare provider if you have complex medical conditions.
    • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection is most common in children under the age of 5.
    • Contrary to its name, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is not a type of influenza. It is a bacteria that infects the lower respiratory tract, such as the trachea and lungs.
    • Hib can cause many different types of infections that range from mild to life-threatening. These include bronchitis, pneumonia, meningitis, ear, eyes and sinus infections or blood infections.
    • Before vaccines, Hib was the leading cause of meningitis in children under 5. Meningitis is the inflammation of the coverings of the spinal cord and brain.
    • Hib spreads through direct contact with an infected person or a contaminated object. It is commonly spread through coughing, sneezing or sharing drinks or toys.
    • This vaccine is safe and very effective.
    • Vaccination is the best way to protect against Hib infection and its complications.
    • The Hib vaccine is combined with other vaccines to protect your child against other infections with fewer shots.
    • When your child gets vaccinated, they help protect the spread to others too.
    • This vaccination is free in the Yukon for children under 7 years of age.
    • Most children have no reactions to the vaccination.
    • For those that, the most common reaction is swelling and redness with or without tenderness around the injection site. A few people may develop fever, headaches or muscle pain. These reactions are mild, and generally last one or two days. If this is the case with you or your child, you may choose to give a fever medication such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
    • Some infants may experience drowsiness, irritability or loss of appetite following immunization.
    • Side effects of the immunization are easily relieved by applying a cold and damp compress to the site and administering acetaminophen or ibuprofen for temperatures 38.5°C or higher. See your health care provider if your symptoms are severe or last longer than 48 hours.
    • It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccination because there is a rare possibility of developing a severe allergic reaction which is treatable at the clinic. This happens to fewer than 1 in 1 million people. If it happens after you leave the clinic, call 911 or the local emergency number. If you or your child experiences any serious or unexpected reactions, please contact your physician and report all severe reactions to one of the nurses at your local Health Centre.

Find out how to get immunized