Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate Vaccine
Pronunciation: (HIB vak-SEEN).
- Generic name
- Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine
- Brand names
- Infanrix-IPV+Hib, Biovac-Hib, Act-HIB, Hiberix, Infanrix-HIB, Hibrix
- Drug class
- Vaccine (Inactivated, Bacterial)
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country:
Australia: · Full directory
What Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine works
The Hib vaccine contains purified polysaccharide from the capsule of Haemophilus influenzae type b, conjugated to a carrier protein (such as tetanus or diphtheria toxoid). This conjugation enhances immunogenicity, especially in infants, by inducing a T-cell dependent immune response. The immune system produces specific antibodies against the Hib polysaccharide, providing protection against invasive disease. (2)
What Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine is used for
Prevention of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease
Prevention of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease (2)
Prevention of meningitis caused by Hib
Prevention of meningitis caused by Hib (2)
Prevention of epiglottitis caused by Hib
Prevention of epiglottitis caused by Hib (2)
Prevention of pneumonia caused by Hib
Prevention of pneumonia caused by Hib (2)
Prevention of sepsis caused by Hib
Prevention of sepsis caused by Hib (2)
Before taking Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- severe allergic reaction to a previous Hib vaccine dose or any component of the vaccine. (Contraindication) (2)
- The vaccine is not indicated for children over 5 years of age except in special circumstances (e.g., asplenia, immunodeficiency). (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
(2)How to take Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine
- General Instructions: The Hib vaccine is given as an intramuscular injection, usually in the thigh or upper arm, according to the recommended immunization schedule.. Adult Dosing: Routine Hib vaccination is not recommended for healthy adults. It may be considered for adults with certain high-risk conditions (e.g., asplenia, sickle cell disease, post-hematopoietic stem cell transplant) as a 1-3 dose series.. Pediatric Dosing: Infants: 3 or 4 doses depending on the brand and local guidelines. A common schedule is 3 primary doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, plus a booster; national/CDC-harmonized guidance generally targets the booster at 12-15 months, though some individual vaccine labels (e.g., the ActHIB package insert) specify a 15-18 month booster window — follow your local immunization schedule and clinician's guidance for the exact timing.. Administration: Administered intramuscularly by a healthcare professional. Do not inject intravenously or subcutaneously.. When To Stop: Complete the full vaccine series as scheduled. Do not discontinue unless advised by a healthcare provider due to a serious adverse reaction.. Storage: Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (2)
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible to reschedule. The vaccine series should be completed for full protection.
Overdose
Overdose is unlikely as the vaccine is administered by healthcare professionals. If more than the recommended dose is given, monitor for increased side effects and seek medical advice. (2)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Fever
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Redness, swelling, or tenderness at injection site
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Irritability
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Loss of appetite
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Vomiting
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Allergic reaction (rare)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
High fever, fainting, or signs of a severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, swelling of the face/lips/throat, difficulty breathing) after vaccination
(1)Persistent crying, unusual limpness/paleness, or seizure-like activity after vaccination
(1)Serious warnings
Not effective against other types of Haemophilus influenzae — serious
Symptoms: Not effective against other types of Haemophilus influenzae. May not provide full protection in immunocompromised individuals. Delay vaccination in case of moderate or severe illness. Monitor for allergic reactions after administration. Inform your provider about all allergies and previous vaccine reactions.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include severe allergic reaction to a previous Hib vaccine dose or any component of the vaccine. Precautions include deferring vaccination in individuals with moderate or severe acute illness, and considering the reduced efficacy in immunocompromised patients. The vaccine is not indicated for children over 5 years of age except in special circumstances (e.g., asplenia, immunodeficiency).
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
The FDA label for a widely used tetanus-toxoid-conjugate Hib vaccine (ActHIB) adds detail beyond the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: The FDA label for a widely used tetanus-toxoid-conjugate Hib vaccine (ActHIB) adds detail beyond the clinician database: since the vaccine's carrier protein is tetanus toxoid, a severe allergic reaction to any tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine is also a contraindication, not only a reaction to Hib vaccine itself. Fainting (syncope) has been reported after vaccination, sometimes causing injury from falling, so a period of observation after the injection is reasonable. If Guillain-Barre syndrome occurred within 6 weeks of a previous tetanus-toxoid-containing vaccine, the decision to give another dose of this vaccine should carefully weigh benefits and risks with the treating clinician.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (2)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | The Hib vaccine can be administered concurrently with other routine childhood vaccines at different injection sites. Immunosuppressive therapies may reduce the immune response to the vaccine. No significant drug interactions have been reported. | (1) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
This is a routine pediatric vaccine; a widely used product's FDA label (ActHIB) is not approved for individuals 6 years of age or older, and no human or animal pregnancy data exist for it, because it is not part of the routine adult or pregnancy immunization schedule. Pregnancy is not a typical scenario for this vaccine; if a specific adult/high-risk situation arises, discuss with your healthcare provider. (2)
Breastfeeding
Not established in either source reviewed; this vaccine is administered to infants and young children as part of routine immunization, not typically a breastfeeding-mother scenario. (2)
Children
Frequency: Administered as a series of doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, plus a booster generally between 12-18 months depending on brand/local schedule.. Weight Based: Not applicable; administered as a fixed dose.. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable.. Max Single Dose: Hib vaccine is administered in a 0.5 mL dose.. Age Restrictions: Not recommended for pediatric use under 2 months of age; a widely used product (ActHIB) is approved for ages 2 months through 5 years. (2)
Renal_impairment
No specific renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance is established in either source reviewed; not a typical consideration for this pediatric vaccine. (2)
Hepatic_impairment
No specific renal- or hepatic-impairment guidance is established in either source reviewed; not a typical consideration for this pediatric vaccine. (2)
Monitoring
(2)Storage
Store the lyophilized vaccine and its diluent refrigerated at 2-8°C (35-46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. After reconstitution, use promptly, or if refrigerated, use within 24 hours (per a widely used product's FDA label).
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Prevention of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease
Dose summary: Not applicable for adults; primarily administered in pediatric populations. A widely used product (ActHIB): 3 primary 0.5 mL IM doses at 2, 4, 6 months, plus a booster at 15-18 months, approved for ages 2 months through 5 years.
Renal context: Not applicable/not established for this vaccine. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What diseases does the Hib vaccine prevent?
The Hib vaccine protects against serious infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, including meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, and sepsis.
Is the Hib vaccine safe for my child?
Yes, the Hib vaccine is considered very safe. Most side effects are mild and temporary, such as soreness at the injection site or mild fever.
Can adults receive the Hib vaccine?
Routine Hib vaccination is not recommended for healthy adults, but it may be given to adults with certain high-risk conditions, such as asplenia or after stem cell transplantation.
What should I do if my child misses a Hib vaccine dose?
Contact your healthcare provider to reschedule the missed dose. The vaccine series should be completed for full protection.
Can the Hib vaccine be given with other vaccines?
Yes, the Hib vaccine can be administered at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines, but at different injection sites.
Are there any children who should not get the Hib vaccine?
Children with a severe allergic reaction to a previous Hib vaccine dose or any component of the vaccine should not receive it.
How effective is the Hib vaccine?
The Hib vaccine is highly effective, providing over 95% protection against invasive Hib disease when the full series is completed.
What happens if I take too much Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b)?
The Hib vaccine is administered by a healthcare professional in a controlled dosage. Overdosing on a vaccine is highly unlikely in a clinical setting. However, if an unusually large dose were administered, potential symptoms might include exaggerated local reactions or systemic effects. In such an improbable event, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention for evaluation and appropriate management.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b)?
Generally, there are no known direct interactions between alcohol consumption and the effectiveness or safety of inactivated bacterial vaccines like the Hib vaccine. However, it is always advisable to avoid excessive alcohol intake around the time of vaccination, as it can potentially suppress the immune system or mask mild vaccine-related side effects. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Is Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b) safe during pregnancy?
This is a routine pediatric vaccine given to infants and young children, not typically part of adult or pregnancy immunization schedules — a widely used product's FDA label (ActHIB) is approved only for ages 2 months through 5 years, with no pregnancy data collected. It is essential to discuss your vaccination history and any potential risks or benefits with your healthcare provider if a specific situation arises.
What is the mechanism of action of Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine?
The Hib vaccine contains purified polysaccharide from the capsule of Haemophilus influenzae type b, conjugated to a carrier protein (such as tetanus or diphtheria toxoid). This conjugation enhances immunogenicity, especially in infants, by inducing a T-cell dependent immune response. The immune system produces specific antibodies against the Hib polysaccharide, providing protection against invasive disease. (2)
What is the generic name of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate Vaccine?
The generic name is Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine. It is sold under brand names including Infanrix-IPV+Hib, Biovac-Hib, Act-HIB, Hiberix, Infanrix-HIB, Hibrix.
What class of drug is Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine?
Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Conjugate Vaccine is classed as: Vaccine (Inactivated, Bacterial).
References
- Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type b) — clinician recordMedGuideGlobal (clinician-authored medicine record) · Global (synthesised from international schedules; not country-verified) · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- ActHIB (Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine, Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate) — full prescribing informationU.S. Food and Drug Administration / DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.