Haemophilus Influenza Type B

What do you know about Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib)?

Haemophilus influenzae Type B was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and a common cause of other invasive disease among U.S. children aged <5 years before 1985; disease decreased significantly after a vaccine was developed in 1985.

The majority of Hib disease in the United States occurs among unimmunized and under immunized infants and children (those who have an incomplete primary vaccine series or have not received a booster dose).

How can I protect myself and my family?

The CDC recommends Hib vaccination for all children younger than 5 years old. Older children and adults usually do not need a Hib vaccine, unless they have certain medical conditions

Persons with certain immunocompromising conditions are considered at increased risk for invasive Hib disease and if unvaccinated, are recommended to get vaccinated (most commonly, asplenia or elective splenectomy and transplant patients).

Hib vaccines are highly effective in preventing Hib disease, including meningitis. Hib disease was once a leading cause of bacterial meningitis among U.S. children younger than 5 years old. Today, less than 50 cases of Hib disease occur each year in young children in the United States. Most of these cases are in children who did not get any or all recommended doses of Hib vaccine.

What kind of side effects to expect after vaccination for Haemophilus influenzae Type B?

Side effects after vaccination can include pain, redness, & swelling at the injection site. You may also experience muscle pain, fatigue, headache, mild fever, stomach upset. Most side effects from the vaccination last approximately 48 hours or less.

Because of age or health conditions, some people should not get certain vaccines or should wait before getting them. This includes patients that have had an allergic reaction after a previous shot of a vaccine that protects against H. influenza Type B or a tetanus-toxoid containing vaccine.

Will I need a prescription for this vaccine?

Ask your pharmacist; most Lewis Drug locations have an agreement with local providers that allows for individual screening & vaccination at the pharmacy that same day.

What is the cost of the vaccine?

The cost of the vaccine will depend on your insurance. Ask your pharmacist regarding your coverage

Sources:

CDC. Hib vaccination: What everyone should know. https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/hib/public/index.html

IAC. Ask the Experts: Haemphilis influenza Type B https://www.immunize.org/askexperts/experts_hib.asp

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B - Vaccine Information Statement - https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hib.html