This is a vaccine to prevent young children from infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. Some high-risk older adults or children may also need the vaccine.

The Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria can cause very serious diseases including meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, blood infection, bone infection, joint infection, pericarditis (infection of the outer covering of the heart), and even death. Most commonly these infections occur in children under 5 years of age. If a child gets Haemophilus influenzae meningitis and survives, there can still be long-term neurological complications.

This vaccine is usually given in the outer mid-thigh muscle or deltoid muscle.

This vaccine is not given to infants less than 6 weeks old, since this could reduce the immune response to subsequent doses. Most people do not have problems with the vaccine. It can cause redness, swelling, or warmth at the site of injection. Fever can also occur. Severe reactions, like high fever or difficulty breathing, should be evaluated immediately. Other needed vaccines may be given at the same visit but at different sites. Older children and adults with sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, no spleen, bone marrow transplant, or immunosuppression may benefit from the vaccine if they have not been previously vaccinated. This vaccine is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

The 6 month pediatric dose is not needed if using the PedvaxHIB® or ComVax® versions.

Individuals with prior severe reactions to this vaccine may not be able to receive another dose. Check with your doctor regarding this issue and for any other contraindications for this vaccine. Also check with your doctor to find out what other ingredients may be in the vaccine, its container, or any diluent in case of allergies or other concerns. Immunization is usually postponed for individuals with a moderate or severe acute illness.

• Age < 5 years old
• Sickle cell disease
• HIV/AIDS
• Immunosuppression
• No spleen
• Bone marrow transplant

Available brands of this vaccine include:

• ACTHib®
• OmniHIB®
• PedvaxHIB®
• ComVax® (PedvaxHIB® combined with Recombivax HB® Hepatitis B vaccine)
• TriHIBit® (ACTHib® combined with DTaP Tripedia^TM vaccine; for children 12 months of age or older, for the 4th dose of a DTaP/Hib series)
• Pentacel® (ACTHib® combined with inactivated polio vaccine and DTaP)