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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is used to prevent diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. It works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against Hib. Common side effects include fussiness, irritability, crying that won’t stop, drowsiness, lack of energy, and pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness near the injection site.
Hib vaccine is available as a liquid that is injected into a muscle by a health care provider.

Uses

What is Hib vaccine used for?

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is commonly used to prevent diseases caused by Hib bacteria. Hib can cause many types of infections, ranging from mild (such as ear infections or bronchitis) to severe (such as pneumonia and infections of the blood, joints, or bones). People with severe Hib infection, also called invasive Hib disease, need to go to the hospital. Invasive Hib disease is life-threatening and can cause death. Hib infections usually affect children under 5 years old, as well as adults with certain medical conditions. 

How does Hib vaccine work (mechanism of action)?

Hib vaccine works by triggering the body’s immune response to make a type of protein (antibodies) against Hib. If you have antibodies against this bacteria, your body is better able to fight them, which may help prevent you from getting sick.

How should I store Hib vaccine?

Hib vaccine is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Hib vaccine?

The most common side effects of Hib vaccine are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the Hib vaccine product received. Tell your health care provider if your child has any of these side effects that bother them.

  • Fussiness, irritability, and restlessness
  • Crying that won’t stop
  • Drowsiness
  • Lack of energy, decreased activity
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Pain, redness, swelling, and tenderness near the injection site

There may be other side effects of Hib vaccine that are not listed here. Contact the health care provider if you think your child is having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Hib vaccine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Hib vaccine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Hib vaccine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency help right away if your child has any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Hib vaccine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Hib vaccine.

  • ActHIB
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine
  • Hib
  • Hiberix
  • PedvaxHIB
  • PRP-OMB
  • PRP-T
  • Any vaccine that contains tetanus toxoid
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific Hib vaccine received

Your health care provider can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Hib vaccine products they stock. 

What should I know about Hib vaccine before using it?

Hib vaccine is given on a specific schedule. Follow all vaccine recommendations given by your child’s health care provider.

Your child can get Hib vaccine at the same time as other vaccines. 

The risk of dizziness or fainting, which may lead to a fall, is the highest within a few minutes after receiving Hib vaccine. Your health care provider may want to watch your child for this time to ensure their safety.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Hib vaccine?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Hib vaccine is right for your child.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if your child has any of the following.

  • Fever or recent illness
  • Any severe allergies
  • Latex allergy
  • A reaction to a previous vaccine, including fainting or Guillain-Barré Syndrome
  • A weak immune system, get infections easily, or take medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system (such as radiation or chemotherapy)
  • Premature birth

Latex Allergy. Some Hib vaccine products may contain natural rubber latex. Tell the health care provider if your child is allergic to latex.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Hib vaccine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before receiving Hib vaccine, tell the health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your child is using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually given Hib vaccine.

Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually given Hib vaccine.

Interactions

Does Hib vaccine interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Hib vaccine and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Hib vaccine.

Does Hib vaccine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell the health care provider about all recent and upcoming vaccines, any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements your child is using. 

In particular, make sure that you discuss if your child is taking any medicines or treatments that suppress the immune system, such as radiation, chemotherapy, or a corticosteroid, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Hib vaccine. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Hib vaccine?

If you or someone else has used too much Hib vaccine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Hib vaccine?

It is important to follow the vaccination schedule recommended by your child’s health care provider. If your child misses an appointment for a dose of Hib vaccine, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.