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HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE TYPE B VACCINE - a patient's
guide
Editorial Team
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
the DTaP(Diphtheria,Tetanus,acellullar ptussis) at 15 months
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 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.
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