H.INFLUENZAE TYPE B VACCINE

H.INFLUENZAE TYPE B VACCINE

This vaccine (Hiberix, HIBest, ACT-HIB, Hib TITER) aims at protecting against H.influenzae type B infection (pneumonia, epiglottitis, meningitis) which is believed to cause significant morbidity and mortality in infants and toddlers.

At least four conjugate polysaccharide HIB vaccines are available, namely

(1) diphtheria toxoid conjugated vaccine (PRP-D),

(2) oligosaccharide conjugated vaccine (HbOC),

(3) meningococcal OMP conjugate vaccine, and

(4) tetanus toxoid conjugated vaccine (HiB-TT,PRP-T)

Indications

IAP now recommends it as a routine vaccine for protection against H influenzae type B, usually simultaneously with DPT.

High risk situations where it must be given even in older children include:

1. Immunodeficiency disorder
2. Asplenemia
3. Sickle-cell anemia
4. Lymphoblastic leukemia
5. Hodgkin lymphoma

Dose

10 meg (0.5 ml) IM. The vaccine is administered in 3 doses, at 6,10 and 14 weeks. Booster is recommended at 15-18 months. If the child first reports between 6 and 12 months, only 2 primary injections and >1 year, only one injection is recommended.

Contraindication

Hypersensitivity to its components.

Adverse reactions

HIB vaccine is very safe, usually causing no local or systemic reaction. It does not increase the risk of  IDDM due to formation of islet-cell antibodies as suggested earlier.