The Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) bacteria are responsible for the occurrence of many very serious infections in infants and young children. HIB vaccine aims to protect against such infections.Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) bacteria can not only affect infants and young children but also adults. It can cause mild as well as severe infections in adults and children. It can cause less severe infections like ear infections and sever ones like bloodstream infection. But sometime these bacteria do no harm even when they are present in nose and throat. However, it can start causing infection when it spreads and attacks other body parts. The HIB infections can be prevented with the help of vaccines.
What is the HIB vaccine?
The Haemophilus Influenzae B (HIB) bacteria are responsible for the occurrence of many very serious infections in infants and young children. It can cause meningitis, epiglottises (a form of croup that obstructs the airways), septicaemia (blood infection), cellulites (infection of the skin and connective tissue), and osteomyelitis (infection of the membrane surrounding the heart).
Will the child get any reactions to this vaccine?
Normally, this vaccine does not result in adverse reactions. However, some children may suffer from
fever, redness and/or tenderness around the site of the injection, vomiting, diarrhoea and crying.
When is HIB vaccination administered to babies?
It is a must that a baby gets all shots of
vaccinations including the booster shots against HIB as per the schedule. The first shot of HIB vaccine is given when the baby is 6 weeks old. The second shot is given when the baby is 10 weeks old and the third shot is given by the week 14. The booster shots of this vaccination are given between 12 to 15 months of baby’s age.
What to do if the HIB vaccination is missed?
If you have
missed any of the vaccinations shots for HIB, you must consult your child’s paediatrician. Make sure that you get your baby vaccinated against HIB according to the schedule. To avoid missing any of the vaccinations as per the schedule prescribed by INDIAN ACADEMY OF PAEDIATRICS (IAP), subscribe to our
Vaccination Reminder.
Should adults and older children take HIB vaccination?
Taking HIB vaccination is not required in case of adults and older children. But, this vaccination may be prescribed by doctor if the adult or the older child is suffering from disease like asplenia or sickle cell disease. HIB vaccination is also recommended before the surgery that is carried out in order to remove the spleen or after the bone marrow transplant. HIV patients between the age group of 5 to 18 years are also advised to take this vaccination.
How do HIB bacteria spread?
HIB bacteria can spread if the infected person coughs or sneezes and exhales these bacteria in air and the other person in contact inhales this bacteria. Not only in the infected person but also this bacteria can be present in the nose and throat of healthy individuals as well. A healthy person may get infected by being in close contact with the person affected with HIB.
Who are susceptible to Haemophilus Influenzae B infection?
Small infants and children who are less than 5 years of age are more susceptible to Haemophilus Influenzae B infection. Therefore, importance of vaccinating children against HIB cannot be overlooked. Apart from children, senior citizens who are older than 65 years of age are also prone to this disorder.
As mentioned earlier people with certain medical conditions can also be at risk. People with such medical conditions include HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infected persons, recipients of chemotherapy or radiation therapy for malignant neoplasms, recipients of hematopoietic stem cell, persons affected with sickle cell disease, persons with antibody and complement deficiency syndromes and asplenia. In case of these medical conditions it is a must to consult the doctor about the vaccinations that are needed to be taken.
