Hib Vaccine

[Guest guest]

Hi everybody,

I found this on the Merck site, one thing that I remember from

vaccination times was that Hib was to prevent a form of Meningitis.

I will ask our CF doc.

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Hib - vaccine

Definition:

This vaccine (immunization) prevents childhood Haemophilus influenza

B infections, which can cause a severe and potentially fatal illness.

Alternative Names:

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine; Vaccine - Hib;

Haemophilus influenzae B conjugate vaccine

Information:

VACCINE INFORMATION

The Hib vaccine is highly effective for the prevention of diseases

caused by Hib, which are serious, potentially fatal diseases of

childhood.

IMMUNIZATION SCHEDULE

Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine is one of the recommended childhood

immunizations. Generally, states require proof that a child has

received the vaccine prior to entry into daycare or preschool.

Infants and toddlers should receive injections of the vaccine at 2

months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12-15 months of age.

Children over 5 years of age and adults do not need to receive

immunization for Haemophilus influenzae type b unless they have

certain medical conditions, including HIV, sickle cell disease, and

some others -- consult with your doctor about whether this applies to

your child if he/she has not been vaccinated.

BENEFITS

Hib vaccine has been a great public health success story. The vast

majority of infants receiving 3 doses of the Hib vaccine gain long-

term protection against the illnesses caused by Haemophilus b

bacteria. These illnesses include meningitis, pneumonia, and

infections of the blood, bones, and joints. Serious Haemophilus b

infections are most common in children 6 to 12 months old, but may

also occur in older children.

RISKS

Most infants who receive the Hib vaccine will have no associated

problems. Others may have minor problems, such as soreness and

redness at the injection site or a mild fever. Serious problems

associated with receiving the immunization are rare and are mainly

allergic reactions to vaccine components.

DELAY OR DO NOT GIVE (CONTRAINDICATION)

If the child is ill, with something more serious than a cold,

immunizations may be delayed.

If severe allergic reaction or anaphylaxis occurs after an injection

of the Hib vaccine, no further Haemophilus b immunization should be

given to the child.

There are no other specific contraindications to the Hib vaccine for

infants or young children except the Hib vaccine should not be given

to children less than 6 weeks of age.

POSTIMMUNIZATION SYMPTOMS AND CARE

Watch for and be familiar with how to treat minor side effects, such

as injection site tenderness or low-grade fever.

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