Vaccines and Preventable Diseases:
Hib Vaccination
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine prevents meningitis (an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia (lung infection), epiglottitis (a severe throat infection), and other serious infections caused by a type of bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b. It is recommended for all children under 5 years old in the U.S., and it is usually given to infants starting at two months old. The Hib vaccine can be combined with other vaccines. In the U.S., Hib vaccine is available also combined with either DTaP or Hep B vaccine.
What You Should Know:
For Health Professionals:
For the Media:
What You Should Know
- Brief
description
Symptoms, treatment, transmission, etc. - Questions and Answers (exit)
Immunization Action Coalition - About Hib and Hib vaccination Updated Feb 2008
Parent's Guide to Childhood Immunization - Pictures of Hib
Warning: Some of these photos are quite graphic. - Travelers
information
Information and updates on risks for travelers, precautions, prevention, etc.
- Global initiatives (exit)
Efforts to prevent childhood pneumonia and meningitis via Hib vaccine - WHO's Global Position Papers (exit)
- WHO's Research and Surveillance (exit)
- Questions and Answers (exit)
World Health Organization
- Is your baby protected against Hib disease? new Mar 24, 2009
CDC Web feature - Does my child need this vaccine? OR as an adult, do I need it?
- For Providers and Parents New Jan 2009
- Side Effects
- Precautions, side-effects, and combination vaccines
Parents Guide to Immunizations (screen-reader version) - Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
- Questions
and Answers (exit)
Immunization Action Coalition - School Vaccine Requirements
- Fact
Sheet on the Hib Vaccine (exit)
Immunization Action Coalition - Effectiveness of Hib vaccine (exit)
National Network for Immunization Information (NNii)
As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site, headache, fatigue or a vague feeling of discomfort.
- What if we stopped vaccinating for this disease?
- Who should not be vaccinated with Hib vaccine?
- Pregnancy guidelines
For Health Professionals
Clinical Information on Hib
- Technical information
Clinical Features, Etiologic Agent, Incidence, Complications, Transmission, Risk Groups, Surveillance, Trends, Challenges, etc. - Immunization of Healthcare Workers
- The Hib vaccine is available in these combinations... (exit)
- Ask the Experts (exit)
CDC experts (medial officers, medical epidemiologists, etc.) - NIPINFO answers your questions about Hib
- Hib Vaccine - Clinical Questions and Answers
- Proper handling of Hib vaccine
Vaccine Recommendations on Hib
- Which children need to be scheduled for Hib vaccine (55 KB, 1 page) New Feb 2009
- ACIP recommendations
- Hib
official recommendations (exit)
Immunization Action Coalition - Standing Orders (exit)
Immunization Action Coalition - Contraindications
- ACIP - Vaccines for Children (VFC) Resolution
References and Resources
- Related MMWR articles, links, and references
- Pink Book's chapter on Hib
Epidemiology & Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases textbook - Surveillance manual's chapter on Hib updated Aug 2008
Manual for the Surveillance of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases textbook - Data and Surveillance of Hib (exit)
World Health Organization's surveillance, assessment, & monitoring - Immunization of Healthcare Workers
- Infection control guidelines
- ACIP - Vaccines for Children (VFC) Resolution
Provider Education
- Clinical education slide set
from the "Epidemiology and Prevention of Vaccine-Preventable Diseases" course - Immunizing
Children Against Hib (exit)
International training module from Children's Vaccine Program at PATH
Materials for Patients
- Vaccine Information Statement (VIS)
- Stories about people
who have suffered or died from Hib (exit)
Immunization Action Coalition - Haemophilus influenzae tipo b (Hib) - Las vacunas y las enfermedades que previenen (exit) (Spanish materials)
For the Media
- Global Hib Vaccine Initiatives updated Feb 2008
- Newsletter: Hib Initiative (exit)
Non-CDC Link Disclaimer: Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. The CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization web pages found at these links.
.pdf files: To view and print the .pdf files on this site, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. Use this link to obtain a free copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader (exit). We highly recommend that you upgrade to the latest version if haven't already.
Content last reviewed on June 6, 2008
Content Source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases