Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
What is it?
Hib disease is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Most children who get Hib disease need to be hospitalized, and 20% of them will have lasting brain damage or become deaf.
The most common complication of Hib disease is meningitis
Hib vaccines are very effective and provide >95% protection against infection with Hib.
Depending on which vaccine you get, it requires either 3 or 4 doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months (if 4 doses necessary), and 12-15 months.
What's the difference between them?
ActHIB, Hiberix, and PedvaxHIB vaccines specifically protect against Hib disease
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Pentacel and Vaxelis are combination vaccines:
Pentacel contains ActHIB, but it also protects against polio and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
Vaxelis contains PedvaxHIB, but it also protects against polio, hepatitis B, and diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
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For more information about Hib vaccines, click here
Relevant Terms
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Bacterium: The singular of bacteria (one bacterium, two bacteria)
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Meningitis: inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord