Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
What is it?
Hib disease is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Despite the name, it is not related to the flu
Hib can cause a variety of serious and sometimes deadly complications including meningitis.
~5% of people who get Hib meningitis will die from it, and 15-20% of survivors will have irreversible brain damage. Epiglottitis (inflammation of the top of the windpipe) can lead to suffocation and death. Hib can also cause infections in other parts of the body including the bloodstream (sepsis) and lungs (pneumonia).
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.
Click here to watch a video explaining more about Hib.
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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Epiglottis: flap in the throat that directs air into the windpipe and food into the esophagus
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Epiglottitis: inflammation of the epiglottis
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Meningitis: inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord