Hiberix

Generic name:haemophilus b conjugate (PRP-T) vaccine [ hem-OFF-il-us-B-KON-ju-gate ]
Brand names: ActHIB, Hiberix
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 18, 2021.

What is Hiberix?

Hiberix is a brand of haemophilus B vaccine. Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a type of influenza (flu) caused by bacteria. Haemophilus B influenzae bacteria can infect the lungs or throat, and can also spread to the blood, bones, joints, brain, or spinal cord. The bacteria infection can cause breathing problems or meningitis, and these infections can be fatal.

Hiberix is used to prevent haemophilus B in children, and is sometimes combined with vaccines to protect against other diseases. Hiberix is given to children between the ages of 2 months and 18 months old.

Hiberix works by exposing your child to a small amount of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body, and will not protect against other types of influenza.

Hiberix is not for use in children younger than 6 weeks. When used in combination with certain diphtheria vaccines, this vaccine may not be used in children younger than 15 months.

Like any vaccine, Hiberix may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Warnings

Your child should not receive Hiberix if he or she has ever had an allergic reaction to a haemophilus B or a tetanus vaccine.

Before taking this medicine

Your child should not receive Hiberix if he or she has ever had an allergic reaction to a haemophilus B or meningococcal vaccine.

If your child has any of these other conditions, Hiberix may need to be postponed or not given at all:

• severe immune suppression caused by disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS), or by receiving certain medicines such as steroids, chemotherapy or radiation;

• a history of seizures;

• an allergy to latex rubber; or

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a minor cold. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving Hiberix.

Hiberix should not be given to anyone age 6 or older, and it is not known whether the vaccine is harmful during pregnancy or while breast-feeding.

How should I take Hiberix?

Hiberix is injected into a muscle. Your child will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.

Hiberix is given in a series of shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is 2 months old. The booster shots are then given at 4 months and 6 months of age, and again at 15 to 18 months of age. In some cases, a 5th booster dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age.

Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines, especially if the child does not start this series of shots before 7 months of age....