Family doctor

Overview:

• The Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib vaccine) protects against a form of meningitis
• It is normally given in an injection which also protects against hepatitis B at 6 weeks and 3 months, and then with as a single vaccine at 15 months at same time as MMR
• A single vaccine of Hib is available
• The vaccine is nearly 100 percent effective
• The vaccine is safe with a low rate of adverse reactions
• The vaccine is normally given at six weeks, three months and 15 months.

What is it?

The Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib vaccine) protects against a form of meningitis.

The vaccine is made from part of the bacteria, and in order to make it work in young children, it is stuck to another protein. Depending on the vaccine, this can be the outer membrane coating of the bug N.meningitidis, or a tetanus or diphtheria toxoid.

The vaccine is believed to be 100 percent effective, but in practice no vaccine is guaranteed to provide total protection.

The vaccine is recommended for children up to the age of five years

What are the side effects?

The Hib vaccine is very safe.

Problems are rare if it is given as a single dose and children recover from any reactions.

Two percent of children have fever with temperatures over 38 degrees C. There is redness and swelling at the site in up to four percent.

When should the vaccine be given?

The combined vaccine is given at six weeks, three months and the single vaccine at 15 months .

If a child misses the Hib vaccine talk to your doctor or practice nurse. The child can get individual doses, but the number will depend on the age of the child.

Getting help

Your doctor, practice nurse or plunket nurse will be able to help.

The Immunisation Advisory Centre, Auckland. Ph 0800 IMMUNE (0800 466 863)

 *This information was provided by the New Zealand Immunisation Advisory Centre.