Hib vaccine

Also called Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine

Key points about the Hib vaccine

Hib vaccine is also called Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine or Infanrix-hexa® or Act-HIB®.
The Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine protects against the bacteria (bug) Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Find out about the vaccine and possible side effects.

Mother watches while nurse gives baby a vaccination

The Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (commonly called Hib vaccine) is used to prevent infections caused by the bacteria (bug) Haemophilus influenzae type b. Haemophilus influenzae is the name of a group of bacteria that can cause mild to very serious illness. The most common strain is type b (also called Hib). Hib can cause a range of infections from mild ear infections to serious bloodstream infections or meningitis. Find out more about Haemophilus influenzae.

Vaccination is the best way to prevent Hib infection and reduce the seriousness of illness if you become infected.
Being vaccinated with 2 doses against Hib will protect 90 to 100% of children up to the age of 6 years from catching, or being seriously unwell from the disease.
The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria.
You can't get Hib disease from the vaccine as it doesn't contain live, active bacteria.
Hib vaccine is part of the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule and is offered free to babies. It's also offered free to children and adults with a weakened immune system, or those who have had their spleen removed, who are at high risk of Hib disease.
In Aotearoa New Zealand there are 2 different brands of Hib vaccine – Infanrix-hexa® and Act-HIB®.
- Infanrix-hexa® is a combination vaccine that protects against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio and Hib.
- Act-HIB® vaccine only protects against Hib.

Hib disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria live in the nose and throat of most healthy people without causing illness. They're easily passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and close contact.
Hib disease can cause a range of infections from mild ear infections to serious bloodstream infections or meningitis.
Not everyone who catches Hib bacteria gets sick from it, but those most at risk of serious disease are:
- tamariki under 5 years of age
- infants attending day care
- people living in a large or crowded household
- people living with preschool or school-aged siblings.

Read more about Hib disease.

Vaccination is the best method for preventing Hib disease and reducing the seriousness of illness if you become infected. Vaccination against Hib is 90 to 100% effective in decreasing the risk of disease for children until they're 6 years of age.

The Hib vaccine is free as part of the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule for babies at 6 weeks, 3 months and 5 months (Infanrix-hexa).

A booster dose of Act-HIB is given at 15 months of age.

If your child misses these dates, they can have catch-up Hib vaccines. Talk to your healthcare provider about this. Read more about childhood immunisation.

Some children, teenagers and adults with weakened immune systems who are at risk of Hib disease may be eligible for revaccination. Talk to your healthcare provider about their eligibility.

The Hib vaccine is given by injection into a muscle, eg, the muscle on your mid thigh or upper arm.

Like all medicines, the Hib vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Side effects	What should I do?
Pain, swelling or redness around the injection site	This is common after having the vaccination. It usually starts a few hours after getting the injection and settles within a few days. Place a cold, wet cloth or ice pack where the injection was given. Leave it on for a short time. Don't rub the injection site. Tell your healthcare provider if it bothers your child. Read more: After your immunisation(external link)
Mild fever	A mild fever is common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the injection and usually settles within a few days. Dress lightly, with a single layer of clothing. Don't wrap your child in a blanket. Keep the room cool, use a fan. Drink plenty of fluids. The routine use of paracetamol isn't recommended following vaccinations, but it may be used if your child is miserable or distressed. Tell your healthcare provider if the fever persists. Read more: After your immunisation(external link)
Feeling unwell, tired or weak Loss of appetite Muscle ache Headache	These are common for the first 1 or 2 days after receiving the vaccination. It usually settles within a few days. Rest and drink plenty of fluids. The routine use of paracetamol isn't recommended following vaccinations, but may be used for relief of severe discomfort. Tell your healthcare provider if these symptoms bother you. Read more: After your immunisation(external link)
Signs of an allergic reaction, such as skin rash, itching, blisters, peeling skin, swelling of the face, lips or mouth, or problems breathing	Allergic reaction to a vaccine is rare. If your child develops these signs within a few days of the vaccination, tell your healthcare provider immediately and phone 111 for an ambulance.

There are many different settings in which you can get a vaccination. These include medical or health centres, pharmacies, community-based clinics including marae-based clinics, mobile health clinics and mobile vaccination services.

Vaccines on the National Immunisation Schedule are free. Other vaccines are funded only for people at particular risk of disease. You can choose to pay for vaccines that you're not eligible to receive for free.

Haemophilus influenzae
Childhood immunisation

The following links have more information on the Hib vaccine:

Haemophilus inﬂuenzae type b(external link) Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ
Infanrix-hexa(external link) Medsafe Consumer Medicine Information, NZ
Infanrix-hexa(external link) Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ
Act-HIB(external link) Medsafe Consumer Medicine Information, NZ
Act-HIB(external link) Immunisation Advisory Centre, NZ