Haemophilus infl.B

PEDIATRIC ADVISOR: IMMUNIZATION HIB
Your child has just been given an immunization to protect him/her against disease caused by hamophilus influenzae B bacterium. this bacterium causes infection in many parts of the body. A fever may occur for 1-2 days after the immunization. Redness and swelling may occur at the injection site. Apply a cool cloth 2-3 times a day. Older children should be encouraged to walk an excercise their legs.

What is Hib disease?
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) disease is a serious caused by bacteria. It usually strikes children younger then 5 years. The child can get it being around other people who may have the bacteria and not know it. It spreads from person to person. Hib can cause severe problems like bacterial meningitis, which can lead to brain demage and deafness, pnuemonia, swelling in the throat and death. Hib vaccine can prevent this disease. Children over 5 years and adults usually do not need Hib vaccine if they do not suffer special health conditions, i.e. sickle cell disease, removal of spleen, HIV/AIDS, bone marrow transplantation or chemotherapy. Before Hib vaccine 100-150 children in Czech republic got severe Hib disease each year and 10 had lasting brain damage or deafness. Hib vaccine can prevent Hib disease.
Who should get Hib vaccine and when?
- Children at 2-6 months of age should get 3 doses of vaccine with interval 1-2 months and booster 6-9 months after 3rd dose, better no later than at 18 months of age
- Children at 6-12 months of age 2 doses with interval 1-2 months and booster 6-9 months after 3rd dose, better no later than at 18 months of age
- Children at 12 months of age 1 dose
- Children older than 5 years usually do not need Hib vaccine. But some older children or adults with special health conditions should get it.
Some people should not get Hib vaccine or should wait
- People who have ever had a life threating allergic reaction to a previous dose of Hib vaccine should not get another dose
- Children less than 2 months of age should not get Hib vaccine
- People who are moderately or severely ill at the time the shot is sheduled should usually wait until they recover before getting Hib vaccine
What are the risk from Hib vaccine?
A vaccine like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of Hib vaccine causing serious harm or death is extremely small. Most people who get Hib vaccine do not have any problems with it.
Mild problems
- Redness, warmth or swelling where the shot was given (up to 1/4 of children)
- Fever over 101dgF - 37dgC (up to 1 out of 20 children)
If these problems happen, they usually start within a day of vaccination. They may last 2-3 days.
What if there is a severe reaction?
What should I look for?
Any unusual condition, such as a high fever or behavior changes. Signs of serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, hoarseness or wheezing, hives, paleness, weakness, a fast heart beat or dizzines.
What I should to do?
- Call a doctor or get the person to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor, what happened, the date and time it happened, and when the vaccination was given.
How can I learn more?
Ask your doctor or nurse.
In Czech republic is available one monovaccine against Hib and several composit vaccines:
ACT-HIB vaccine - against Hib
Infanrix HEXA - against diphteria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, polio and Hib
Infanrix HIB - against diphteria, tetanus, pertussis and Hib