Haemophilus B conjugate vaccine (Hib) (Injection)

Introduction:

Haemophilus B Conjugate Vaccine (hum-OFF-i-lus B KON-joo-gate vak-seen)

Given to babies and young children to prevent infection with H influenzae type b.

Brand Name(s):

Pedvaxhib, ActHIB, Hiberix, Hibtiter

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your child's exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An intramuscular (in-tra-MUS-kyoo-ler) or IM injection is a shot given in the muscle of your child's upper arm, thigh, or buttocks.
• A doctor, nurse, or other caregiver trained to give injections will give your child the shot.
• The exact schedule for your child's vaccinations will vary depending on the brand of medicine used and your child's age at the time of the first dose. In general, your child will receive the first dose at 2 to 6 months of age, followed by 2 more doses at least 8 weeks apart. Your child will usually receive a booster dose at 15 to 18 months of age, although he or she can receive this medicine through the age of 5 years.
• Your child may receive other vaccinations at the same time as this one. You should receive other information sheets on those vaccinations. Make sure you understand all the information given to you.

If a dose is missed:

• It is important that your child receive all the doses of vaccine in this series. Try to keep all of your scheduled appointments.
• If your child does miss a dose of this vaccine, make another appointment as soon as possible.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep this and all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if your child is also using medicine to suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids or medicines to treat cancer or arthritis. These medicines may cause the vaccine to be less effective.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if your child has ever had a severe reaction to any other vaccinations, if your child has a bleeding problem, or if he or she has HIV or AIDS.
• Make sure your doctor knows if your child has an allergy to latex rubber. Some brands of this medicine are stored in a bottle with a latex stopper.
• Tell your doctor if your child has any type of illness or infection (such as a cold or the flu), especially if your child has a fever. Your doctor may want to delay giving the shot until your child is well.
• It may take up to 2 weeks for your child's body to develop the ability to resist an infection with H influenzae type b. There is a chance your child could become ill during this time.
• Patients who have problems with their immune systems, such as those who are getting medicine like prednisone, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or who have HIV infection or AIDS, may not be fully protected by this vaccine. Because there may be some benefit, your child's doctor may still want to give the vaccine.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Fever over 103 degrees F

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Cough or runny nose
• Diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite
• Irritability
• Low fever
• Redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given
• Sleepiness or lack of energy

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: