What is HiB?
Hib stands for H.infuenza B - a type of bacterium that leads to invasive disease like meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, cellulitis, arthritis, sepsis etc.

Which age group is affected by Hib infections?
Hib infection is most commonly seen in children <5 years of age. The mean age of onset is 6-24 months after which it declines gradually till 5 years. 95% of Hib infections occur before 5 years of age.

How is Hib vaccine given?
Hib vaccine is given intramuscularly.

What is the schedule of Hib vaccination?
For a child less than 6 months, 3 primary doses are necessary. The first dose can be given at 6 weeks along with OPV/DPT and subsequent 2 doses at 4 weeks interval along with subsequent OPV/DPT. One booster will be necessary between 15-18 months of age.

For children between 6 months to 12 months: 2 primary doses at 4-8 weeks interval are given followed by a booster at 15-18 months of age. For children between 12-15 months only single primary dose is given followed by a booster at 15-18 months of age. If a child present beyond 15 months till 15 years of age, only one dose is given straight as the booster dose. It is usually not given after 5 years of age

What if a dose is delayed or missed?
There is no need to restart the schedule if a dose is delayed or missed. One should just complete the age appropriate schedule of remaining vaccines. However, one is not protected well till one has completed the recommended schedule. Hence, delay in vaccination is not desirable

What are the side effects of Hib vaccine?
Local reactions can occur like redness, swelling, pain etc. They are more common with first dose than with subsequent doses. Systemic side effects seen include fever, which is mild and lasts for 24 hours, excessive crying, fussiness, irritability, vomiting, drowsiness, anorexia, diarrhea etc.

Can you use other vaccines together with Hib vaccine?
With need to use so many vaccines during early infancy, one has to use more than two vaccines together. Hib can be given along with other vaccines such as OPV/DPT/HBV at 6, 10 and 14 weeks of age.
Of late combination vaccines containing DPT plus Hib are available. The advantage of combination vaccines are many like timely completion of schedule, less number of visits to the doctor, less number of pricks to the child, less space & cost of transportation & storage and better compliance from parents. Hence, whenever available such combinations should be used.

Who should be given Hib vaccine?
Hib vaccine is recommended and is widely used as a universal vaccine by many western countries. In India, it is almost a compulsory vaccine but for the cost. IAP recommends the vaccine in all children whereas it is not compulsory as per the EPI schedule of Govt of India.