Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
Hib · Hib vaccine · Haemophilus vaccine · meningitis bacteria vaccine
The vaccine protects against a bacterium that in small children can cause meningitis and severe pneumonia. It is often given in one shot together with other vaccines.
For children under 5 on the schedule, and sometimes for older children and adults with certain illnesses.
⏱ Duration: the shot takes a few seconds; with the check-up usually 15 to 40 minutes
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Health. The vaccine is given when your child is healthy. Your child will be examined before the shot.
- Schedule. It is often part of a combined vaccine. Ask your pediatrician how many shots are needed.
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes that are easy to take off the leg or shoulder.
What to bring
- Your ID
- The vaccination certificate or record
How it goes
- The doctor examines your child and takes the temperature
- You hold your child
- The skin is wiped and the shot is given in the thigh or arm
- The vaccine is recorded in the documents
- After the shot, stay at the clinic for about 30 minutes
What you'll feel
- A quick shot. Your child may cry for a bit
- Sometimes redness at the spot or a mild fever
Afterwards
- Stay near the office for 30 minutes
- At home keep to the usual routine and offer more drinks
- Next shot on schedule
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Trouble breathing, a swollen face, a rash all over: call your local emergency number
- High fever that does not come down: see a doctor
Common questions
If my child is already over one year old, is the vaccine still needed?
Often fewer shots are enough. The pediatrician will choose the plan.
Does it protect against all meningitis?
No, only the kind caused by this bacterium. There are separate vaccines for others.