Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

The Hib vaccine protects against infection from the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Hib can cause serious and life-threatening infections, including meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain, and septicemia, an infection of the blood. Despite its name, this disease is not the same as influenza (the flu).

The Hib vaccine is the best way to protect against Hib infection, a serious disease that sometimes causes death. 
 

Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than it is to get Hib. 

 

Many people have no side effects from these vaccines. For those that do, side effects are usually mild and last 1 to 2 days (see a list of common side effects for each vaccine below). Serious side effects are very rare.

 

It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine because there is an extremely rare possibility of anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. This may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue, or lips. The chance of true anaphylaxis is about 1 in 1 million vaccine doses. Should this reaction occur, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number. Learn more about anaphylaxis on our vaccine side effects page.

 

It is important to always report serious or unexpected reactions to your immunizing health care provider.

 

Common side effects may include soreness, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given. Some children may have a fever or experience crankiness, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent crying, or a loss of appetite. These reactions are mild and usually last 1 to 2 days.

 

Common side effects may include soreness, redness, and swelling where the vaccine was given. Some children may have a fever, or experience crankiness, drowsiness, loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. These reactions are mild and generally last 1 to 2 days. Large areas of redness and swelling may be present but these generally do not interfere with normal activity.

 

Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, swelling or redness at the injection site. Some children may have a fever or experience drowsiness, fussiness, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent crying and loss of appetite.