Immunizations - Other Vaccinations

Haemophilus influenzae (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.

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practice (ACIP) now recommends booster vaccinations of the MCV4 meningitis vaccine for people who are at increased risk for the disease. These include people who do not have a normal spleen and those with certain immune problems.

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

Two equally effective inactivated bacterial vaccines (commonly called Hib vaccines) are available for H. influenzae type b. All children under 5 should be vaccinated against this bacterium. The vaccine is administered as an injection at 2 and 4 months. Depending on the vaccination preparation, a third shot in the series is administered at 6 months. A booster is required at some time between 12 and 15 months of age.

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

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.

Review Date: 10/12/2010
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

Immunizations - Other Vaccinations

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B

Vaccine for Haemophilus Influenzae Type B

Side Effects of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine