A Clinician’s Handbook for Childhood & Adult Immunizations in Georgia
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
Pathophysiology
- Bacteria
- Humans are the only known reservoir
- Respiratory transmission is presumed
Vaccine Description
- Inactivated vaccine
Dose & Route
- 0.5 mL given IM
Administration Schedule
Dose Recommended Age
Dose 1……..2 months
Dose 2…….4 months
Dose 3…….6 months – If Pedvax HIB™ vaccines are used at 2 and 4 months of age, a dose at 6 months is not required.
Booster…..12-15 months – Depending on which vaccine is used for primary series
Hiberix (Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine [Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate]) is now approved for use as a 3-dose infant primary vaccination series at ages 2, 4, and 6 months. The first dose may be given as early as 6 weeks of age. Hiberix is also approved for the Booster dose.
VAXELIS is licensed as a 3-dose primary series and should not be used for the booster dose.
Booster: One dose at 15 through 18 months of age
Minimum Intervals
Dose Minimum Interval
Dose 1 – Must be at least 6 weeks of age
Dose 2 – 4 weeks from dose 1
Dose 3 – 4 weeks from dose 2 – if dose 3 is required
Booster – 8 weeks from dose 2 or dose 3, and no earlier than 12 months of age
Contraindications
- Anaphylactic reaction following a prior dose of Hib.
- Defer vaccination in children with moderate or severe acute illness until illness subsides.
- Hib conjugate vaccines are contraindicated in children younger than 6 weeks of age.
- Persons known to have a severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
- Hiberix prefilled syringes might contain natural rubber latex, and the vial stoppers for, ActHib, and PedvaxHIB contain natural rubber latex, which might cause allergic reactions in persons who are latex-sensitive.
- If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior vaccine containing tetanus toxoid, the risk for GBS may be increased following VAXELIS.
Special Considerations
The total number of doses required depends upon the age of the child at first dose (See ACIP recommendations)
- Pentacel (combination DTaP/IPV/Hib) can also be used to vaccinate children against Hib infection.
- As with all pertussis-containing vaccines, benefits and risk should be considered before administering Pentacel to persons with a history of fever ≥105 degrees F, hypotonic- hyporesponsive episode, persistent inconsolable crying lasting ≥3 hours within 48 hours after receipt of a pertussis- containing vaccine, or seizures within 3 days after receiving a pertussis-containing vaccine.