Immunizations - Haemophilus Type B

Haemophilus Type B

Haemophilusinfluenzae(H. influenzae)type B is a bacterium, which, despite its name, is entirely different from the viruses that cause influenza (the flu). Before vaccination, H. influenzae type B (Hib) was the most common cause of childhood bacterial meningitis, killing 600 American children every year and leaving others deaf, mentally retarded, or epileptic. It is rarely troublesome for adults, although it can be dangerous for anyone with chronic lung disease and those susceptible to infections.

This is a gram stain of spinal fluid from a person with meningitis. The rod-like organisms seen in the fluid are Haemophilus influenza, one of the most common causes of childhood meningitis (prior to the widespread use of the H. influenza vaccine). The large red-colored objects are cells in the spinal fluid. A vaccine to prevent infection by Haemophilus influenza (type B) is available as one of the routine childhood immunizations (Hib), typically given at 2, 4 and 12 months.

Vaccine for Haemophilus Influenzae Type B

Three equally effective inactivated bacterial vaccines are available for H. influenzaetype B (commonly called Hib vaccines). All children under5 should be vaccinated against H. influenzae. The vaccine is administered as an injection at2 and4 months. Depending on the vaccination preparation, a third in the series is administered at6 months. A booster is required at some time between 12 and 15 months of age.

Click the icon to see an image of Hib immunization.

In children older than 15 and 18 months, the Hib and DTaP vaccines are being combined in a single injection. Of note: evidence suggests that in infants, this combined vaccine using acellular pertussis (the current DTaP standard) is less effective in protecting against Hib than one that uses the older form with whole cell pertussis. The booster at one year should help maintain protection, however.

The Hib vaccine may benefit older people who have had their spleen removed or illnesses that put them at risk for pneumonia, including sickle cell disease, leukemia, and HIV infection.

Click the icon to see an image of sickle cells.

Side Effects of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine

Side effects of the Hib vaccine include redness and pain at the injection site, moderate fever, and, in rare cases, weakness, nausea, and dizziness.