Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

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Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious infections.

The Hib vaccine protects against infections caused by the Hib germ.

What is haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)?

Despite its name, this disease is not the same as influenza or the flu. The Hib germ can cause meningitis and other serious infections. Meningitis is a serious infection of the fluid and lining that covers the spinal cord. It can cause brain damage, learning and developmental problems, deafness or blindness. The Hib germ spreads to others through coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing drinks and by touching contaminated objects. One out of 20 children with Hib meningitis can die. Serious disability (nerve damage, deafness) occurs in about 15% of those that get the infection.

The Hib germ can also cause a serious infection of the throat. This infection is called epiglottitis and it can make it difficult for a child to breathe. The Hib germ can also cause infection of the lungs (pneumonia), blood (bacteremia) and bone and joint infections.

Who should get the vaccine?

It is recommended for children 2 months – 5 years of age. Hib is one of the diseases that children are protected against by the 5-in-1 vaccine that is routinely given as part of the regular childhood immunization series at 2, 4, 6 & 18 months of age. Hib vaccine is also recommended for people who have the following high risk medical conditions:

• no spleen or a spleen that does not work properly
• all immunocompromised persons
• stem cell, bone marrow or solid organ transplant recipients
• all lung transplant recipients
• cochlear implant recipients (pre/post transplant)
• all persons with primary antibody deficiencies

How well does the vaccine work?

The vaccine protects over 99% of people who follow the recommended schedule.

No vaccine is 100% effective however, if someone does develop an infection caused by the Hib germ after receiving Hib vaccine, it is usually a milder case than those in people who are not vaccinated.

Who should not get this vaccine?

A healthcare provider may decide not to give this vaccine to:

• Anyone with a high fever or serious infection worse than a cold. They should delay having the vaccine until they are better
• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine in the past or who is allergic to any component of the vaccine:

Act-Hib® contains: haemophilus influenzae type b, tetanus protein, trometamol, sucrose and sodium chloride.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

Hib vaccine is very safe and side effects are rare. The most common side effects are mild pain, redness and swelling where the needle was given. Other common side effects are fever and irritability. Serious side effects are rare.

This is not a complete list of side effects. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any vaccine with a health care provider. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken following immunization to reduce discomfort or fever. Always follow package directions. Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA or Aspirin®) must not be given to children under 18 years of age.

Is there an alternative to the vaccine?

There are no other treatments to prevent this disease. If a child has an infection caused by the Hib germ before their 2nd birthday, it is unlikely that they will develop immunity and they could develop another Hib infection later on. Children over 2 years of age may develop immunity to the Hib germ if they develop a Hib infection.

Covering the nose and mouth during coughing or sneezing can help reduce the spread of disease. Handwashing is one of the best ways to stop bacteria and viruses from spreading. To wash hands properly, rub all parts of the hands with soap and water for at least 15 seconds or if your hands are not visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol based hand rub.

When should I seek medical attention?

Call your health care provider, go to the nearest hospital or call 911 if any of the following occur within three days of the vaccine:

• High fever (over 40C or 104F)
• Hives
• Swelling of the face or mouth
• Trouble breathing
• Very pale colour and serious drowsiness
• Convulsions or seizures
• Any other unexpected effects

If medical attention was required, please notify the health unit.

What else do I need to know?

After you or your child receive a vaccine, update the immunization record (Yellow Card). Keep it in a safe place.

The health unit is required to keep immunization records on file for all children enrolled in a day nursery or school. If your child receives immunizations from your health care provider, you can update your child’s record in any one of the following ways:

• Use the secure on-line form on our website (www.simcoemuskokahealth.org/immsonline)
• Fax a copy to 705-721-1495
• Mail a copy to: VPD Program, Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit, 15 Sperling Drive, Barrie ON, L4M 6K9
• Drop off a copy at any one of our offices
• Call Your Health Connection at 705-721-7520 or 1-877-721-7520 (toll-free)

A confidential electronic database stores this information and it is available to you on request. It is important to note that health care providers do not routinely provide this information to the health unit.