Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Farin's story

About the vaccine

The Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine is free for children up to the age of five. It's combined with other vaccines, so your child can receive protection from several diseases with one shot. 

Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer for your child to get the vaccine than to get Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Please contact your local public health nurse or doctor to make an appointment for your child if you think they are not up to date with their vaccination.

For more information about the vaccine, who should get it, the benefits and possible reactions, please read our BC HealthFiles: 

  • DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib (105) (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hepatitis B, Polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b). Three doses are given to children under the age of 7 years, usually at 2, 4 and 6 months of age.
  • DTaP-IPV-Hib (15b) (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio, Haemophilus influenzae Type b) A single dose is given as a booster to children at 18 months of age after completing a three dose primary series of DTaP-HB-IPV-Hib. 

Some children may receive DTaP-IPV-Hib as a three dose primary series at 2, 4 and 6 months followed by a booster dose at 18 months.

About the disease

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a severe bacterial infection, occurring primarily in infants and children under 5.
  • Despite its name, this disease is not the same as influenza or 'flu.'
  • Prior to the development of a Hib vaccine, Hib was a major cause of bacterial meningitis (an infection of the covering of the brain)
  • Of every 20 children who get bacterial meningitis, 1 will die
  • Many of the children who live through the disease have some brain damage. This brain damage may mean the child will be mentally retarded, deaf, paralyzed or have other serious problems
  • There is less Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in BC because of routine childhood vaccination programs

Photo courtesy of Children’s Immunization Project, St. Paul, Minnesota. More vaccine preventable disease images