Introduction
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) causes severe infections of the lining of the brain, spinal cord, and bloodstream. The vaccines can prevent Hib disease. Hib vaccination is recommended for all children below five years. Multiple shots are needed. The shots should be given at two months, four months, six months, and 12 through 15 months. Hib vaccines are safe, and most children who get a Hib vaccine do not have any problems. Hib infection can cause pneumonia, swelling in the throat, difficulty in breathing, infections of joints and bones, and can also lead to death.
What Is Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine?
The Hib vaccine prevents Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) disease. There are two types of vaccines used to protect against Hib disease they are:
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DTap-IPV/Hib vaccine protects children aged two through 18 months from Hib disease, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, and diptheria.
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This vaccine helps in protecting children and adults from Hib disease.
What is the Composition of the Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine?
The Hib vaccine is a polysaccharide conjugate vaccine, a type of inactivated bacterial vaccine. It is made by joining a piece of polysaccharide capsule that surrounds the Hib bacterium to a protein carrier. The vaccines use different carrier proteins.
1) Monovalent Vaccines - There are three monovalent vaccines licensed in the United States. These vaccines can be used in infants as young as six weeks. They are:
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ActHIB (PRP-T)
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Hiberix (PRP-T)
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PedavaxHIB (PRP-OMB)
2) Combination Vaccines - Manufacturers create several different vaccines that can be used. They are:
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Pentacel - This vaccine contains lyophilized ActHIB reconstituted with a liquid DTaP/IPV solution. FDA has approved Pentacel for all doses of Hib.
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Vaxelis - This vaccine contains Pentacel except with PedvaxHIB for the Hib component and Recombivax HB. Vaxelis for dose one of three of the Hib primary series. It should not be used for booster doses.
How Is Haemophilus Influenzae Transmitted?
Haemophilus influenzae type B causes different kinds of infections. Hib infection spreads through droplets that come through coughing and sneezing. It usually affects children below five years of age but can also affect adults. The Hib bacteria causes mild to severe illnesses like ear infections, bronchitis, or blood infection. The severe Hib infection is called invasive Hib disease, which requires hospitalization and can lead to death. Earlier the Hib infection was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children below five years of age. Meningitis leads to brain damage and deafness.
How Many Doses of This Vaccine Are Needed?
There are three to four doses of the Hib vaccine. It is given as follows:
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For Infants - The Hib vaccine is given at two months of age.
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For Children Between 12 Months and Five Years of Age - The children in this age group may need one or more doses of the Hib vaccine if the child has yet to receive the vaccine before.
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For Children Above Five Years and Adults - Children above five years and adults usually do not receive the Hib vaccine. Still, the vaccine can be recommended for those whose spleen is damaged or has been removed and also recommended in people with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Anyone whose immune system is suppressed or weak due to cancer treatment or other drugs should consult the doctor.
The Hib vaccine can be given along with the other vaccines. Hib vaccines are immunogenic in patients with an increased risk for invasive disease. The Hib vaccine provides long-lasting immunity, but the duration of immunity is still not known.
Who Needs to Get the Haemophilus Influenzae Vaccine?
The Hib infection is indicated in infants and children below five years. Children and infants need Hib vaccination as a part of their vaccination schedule. Three to four doses of vaccines are required depending on the brand of the Hib vaccine. The infants and children need the doses at the following ages:
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First dose - Two months.
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Second dose - Four months.
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Third dose - Six months.
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Booster dose - 12 to 15 months.
Children above five years and adults can also get vaccinated. Adults who are at risk for developing Hib infection should also get vaccinated.
Who Does Not Need to Get the Haemophilus Influenzae Vaccine?
The following people should avoid getting the Haemophilus vaccination:
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Children have had an allergic reaction to the Hib vaccine in the past.
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Infants younger than six weeks.
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People having a serious allergy to vaccines.
What Are the Potential Side Effects of This Vaccine?
The side effects of the Hib vaccine include:
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There can be redness, swelling, or warmth that can appear on the injection site.
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Fever can happen a few days after Hib vaccination.
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Some people can feel dizzy after vaccination.
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If one observes any kind of allergic reaction like hives, swelling of the face and throat, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, or weakness after the vaccination, report to the healthcare provider immediately.
Conclusion
Hib infections can cause serious complications and can even be deadly. So the best way to prevent Hib disease is to get vaccinated. In addition, the patient can consult the doctor to know more about the vaccination schedule and the dosage.
