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
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.
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