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Hib vaccine

Also called Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine

Key points about the Hib vaccine

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

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Haemophilus influenza type B vaccine (commonly called Hib vaccine) is used to prevent infections that are 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 method for preventing infection and reducing the seriousness of illness if you become infected. Vaccination against Hib is 90–100% effective in decreasing the risk of disease up to 6 years of age.
The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the bacteria.
You cannot get Hib disease from the vaccine, as it does not contain live, active bacteria.
Hib vaccine is part of the New Zealand Immunisation Schedule and is offered free to babies. It is 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 New Zealand there are 3 different brands of Hib vaccine – Infanrix-hexa®, Hiberix® and Act-HIB®.

Hib disease is infection caused by the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae. These bacteria live in the nose and throat of most healthy people without causing illness. They are 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:
- children 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 90–100% effective in decreasing the risk of disease in children up to 6 years of age.

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 Hiberix is given at 15 months of age. Children are not fully protected until they’ve had all 4 doses. If your child misses these dates, they can have catch-up Hib vaccines. Talk to your doctor or nurse 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. Check with your doctor or nurse about their eligibility.

Hib vaccine is given by injection into a muscle such as 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 quite 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. Do not rub the injection site. Tell your doctor if troublesome. Read more After your immunisation(external link)
Fever	It is quite 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. Do not wrap your child in a blanket. Keep the room cool, use a fan. Drink plenty of fluids. The routine use of paracetamol is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used if your child is miserable or distressed. Tell your doctor if the fever persists. Read more After your immunisation(external link)
Feeling unwell, tired or weak Loss of appetite Muscle ache Headache	These are quite 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 is not recommended following vaccinations, but may be used for relief of severe discomfort. Tell your doctor if troublesome. 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 doctor immediately or ring HealthLine 0800 611 116.
Did you know that you can report a side effect to a medicine to CARM (Centre for Adverse Reactions Monitoring)? Report a side effect to a product(external link)

The best place to go for vaccinations is your family medical clinic. They have your medical records and can check to see if you’ve already had a particular vaccination. Either your doctor or a nurse can give the vaccination.

If you don’t have a family doctor, you can go to one of the after-hour medical clinics. Ring them first to make sure they can help you with the vaccination you need.

You can find a clinic near you on the Healthpoint(external link) website. Put in your address and region, and under Select a service, click on GPs/Accident & Urgent Medical Care.

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 are not eligible to receive for free.