This vaccine helps protect young children from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection. Hib is a bacterial infection that can cause serious illness, including brain infection (meningitis). Children younger than age 5 are at highest risk for infection. Vaccination is the best way to protect against this life-threatening disease. Vaccines work by causing the body to produce its own protection (antibodies).
This vaccine is not usually used in children over the age of 5 or in adults.
A series of injections is needed to provide the best protection. It is very important that your child receive all the injections ordered by the doctor, or the vaccine may not work as well. Keep all scheduled medical appointments.
Hib vaccine can be given at the same time as the other usual childhood vaccinations (e.g., diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis, hepatitis, polio) either in the same injection or using a separate needle and injection site, depending on the types of vaccine being given.
Pain, swelling, and redness at the injection site may occur. Drowsiness, irritability/crying, loss of appetite, diarrhea, fever, or vomiting may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify the doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Infrequently, temporary symptoms such as fainting/dizziness/lightheadedness, vision changes, numbness/tingling, or seizure-like movements have happened after vaccine injections. Tell your health care provider right away if your child has any of these symptoms soon after receiving an injection. Sitting or lying down may relieve symptoms.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to your child is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, unresponsiveness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Contact your doctor for medical advice about side effects. The following numbers do not provide medical advice, but in the US, you may report side effects to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) at 1-800-822-7967. In Canada, you may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before receiving this vaccination, tell your doctor or pharmacist if your child is allergic to it or to any other vaccines; or if your child has any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients (such as latex), which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
This medication should not be used if your child has certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult the doctor or pharmacist if your child has: high fever, moderate/severe acute illness.
Before using this medication, tell the doctor or pharmacist your child's medical history, especially of: bleeding disorders, history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a weakened immune system (e.g., due to cancer, HIV, leukemia, lymphoma, radiation treatment), vaccination history including previous reactions to any vaccines.
This vaccine is not recommended for use during pregnancy and is not usually used in adults.
Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring your child for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.
Before your child receives this vaccine, tell the doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products the child may use, especially of: "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin, heparins), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone, prednisone), cancer chemotherapy, drugs that lower the immune system (e.g., cyclosporine, tacrolimus).
This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and the doctor know if your child has recently been vaccinated.
This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
Consult the doctor or pharmacist about the temporary use of acetaminophen to treat pain and fever due to this vaccine.
There are various combinations of vaccines available. Based on your child's age, vaccination history, and previous reaction to vaccines, your health care professional will determine the most appropriate vaccines. Discuss the risks and benefits of vaccination with your health care provider.
History of infection with Hib does not always protect against future infections with Hib bacteria. Your child should still receive this vaccine if your doctor orders it.
It is important to receive each vaccination as scheduled. Be sure to make a note of when the vaccination was last given for your child's medical record.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised July 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.
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