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Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)

Hib disease is caused by a type of bacteria that can lead to serious infections in different parts of the body, like the brain and lungs. Hib disease mostly affects kids younger than 5 years old. Some people get the germs that cause Hib disease but don't get sick—these people are called “carriers.” Hib bacteria can spread through droplets in the air, like when someone who has the bacteria in their nose or throat coughs or sneezes. This makes it easy to catch.source: 1

Hib disease used to be more common in the United States—about 20,000 kids got serious Hib infections every year. Thanks to most kids getting the vaccines, serious cases of Hib disease have dropped by more than 99% since 1987.source: 2 Three vaccines prevent Hib disease.source: 3,source: 4 (1) The Hib vaccine helps protect kids and adults from Hib disease. (2) The DTaP-IPV/Hib vaccine helps protect babies ages 2–18 months from Hib disease, tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough, and polio. (3) The DTap-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine helps protect from Hib disease as well as diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and hepatitis B. Your child's doctor can tell you which vaccine is right for your child.

Why does my child need to be vaccinated against Hib?

Hib disease can be very serious in infants and young children. Complications from Hib disease can cause lifelong disability, and they can even be deadly. For example, Hib meningitis can cause brain damage or hearing loss in 1 in 5 kids who survive it.source: 5,source: 6

How safe are the vaccines?

The Hib vaccines are safe. Like any medicine, there's a very small chance that Hib vaccines could cause serious reactions. Generally, for every 1 million doses of all vaccines given in the United States, 1 to 2 people may have a severe allergic reaction.source: 7,source: 8 Getting a Hib vaccine is much safer than getting Hib disease.

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VPD Hib Toddler holding hands

How effective are the vaccines?

Hib vaccines are highly effective in producing immunity to Hib infection. More than 95% of infants develop protective antibody levels after receiving a primary series of two or three doses. Serious cases of Hib disease have dropped by more than 99% since the vaccines became available.source: 1

What are the vaccines’ side effects? 

Side effects from the Hib vaccines are usually mild and go away in a few days. They may include redness, soreness, or swelling where the vaccine was given, or fever.source: 9

Understanding the Risks

Getting Hib vs. Getting Vaccinated

Hib Disease

Vaccines to prevent Hib Disease

Common: Mild to Moderate Symptoms or Side Effects

  • Mild infections such as middle ear infection (otitis media).

If side effects occur, they are usually mild and go away on their own:

  • Soreness, heat, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given
  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Loss of appetite

Rare: More Serious Symptoms, Complications or Side Effects

  • Sepsis (an extreme response to an infection)
  • Pneumonia (lung infection)
  • Septic arthritis (infection of the joints)
  • Osteomyelitis (bone infection)
  • Cellulitis (infection of skin and underlying tissues)
  • Pericarditis (infection of lining of the heart)
  • Meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
  • Epiglottitis (throat infection)
  • Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
  • Crying
  • Abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting
  • Rash
  • High fever
  • Unable to sleep

When does my child need the vaccines?

Hib vaccination is recommended for all children between 2 months and 5 years old. Your child needs either three or four doses depending on which brand of the Hib vaccine they get. They can get the Hib vaccine at the same time as other vaccines.

Parents whose children are not caught up on the Hib vaccine should talk with their health care provider to make sure the doses are given at the right time. Your child's doctor may recommend the Hib vaccine for children ages 5 years and older if your child has a damaged spleen or sickle cell disease, has had a bone marrow transplant, or has HIV.source: 10

4-Dose Series

2, 4, and 6 months of age followed by a booster dose at age 12–15 months

3-Dose Series

2 and 4 months of age followed by a booster dose at age 12–15 months

More information

You can also visit these sites:

Sources

  1. HHS: Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B)
  2. CDC: Pink Book: Haemophilus influenzae
  3. FDA: Vaccines for Children - A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
  4. CDC: Combination Vaccines
  5. WHO: Meningitis
  6. CDC: Clinical Overview of Haemophilus influenzae Disease
  7. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: Risk of anaphylaxis after vaccination in children and adults
  8. HHS: Vaccine Side Effects
  9. CDC: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) Vaccine Safety
  10. CDC: Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) VIS
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