Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine helps prevent Haemophilus infections but not infections caused by other strains of H. influenzae bacteria. H. influenzae causes many childhood infections, including bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, sinusitis, otitis media, and epiglottitis.
For more information, see Hib Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices Vaccine Recommendations and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Hib Vaccination. For a summary of changes to the 2024 adult immunization schedule, see the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Recommended Adult Immunization Schedule, United States, 2024.
(See also Overview of Immunization.)
Preparations of Hib Vaccine
Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccines (Hib) are prepared from the purified capsule of Haemophilus influenzae type b. All Hib vaccines use polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) as the polysaccharide, but 4 different protein carriers are used in the 4 different Hib conjugate vaccines available:
Diphtheria toxoid (PRP-D)
Neisseria meningitidis outer membrane protein (PRP-OMP)
Tetanus toxoid (PRP-T)
Diphtheria mutant carrier protein CRM197 (HbOC)
PRP-D and HbOC vaccines are no longer available in the United States.
The following combination vaccines contain Hib conjugate vaccines:
Diphtheria/tetanus toxoids/pertussis vaccine/Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine
Meningococcal Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine
Indications for Hib Vaccine
The Hib vaccine is a routine childhood vaccination (see CDC: Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule by Age).
This vaccine is also recommended for certain adults (see CDC: Adult Immunization Schedule by Age) including
Adults with anatomic or functional asplenia and those scheduled for elective splenectomy
People who have had a hematopoietic stem cell transplantation regardless of their vaccination history
Contraindications and Precautions for Hib Vaccine
The main contraindication for Hib vaccines is
A severe allergic reaction (eg, anaphylaxis) after previous dose or to a vaccine component
The main precaution with Hib vaccines is
Moderate or severe illness with or without a fever (vaccination is postponed until the illness resolves)
Dose and Administration of Hib Vaccine
The Hib vaccine dose is 0.5 mL IM. A primary childhood series is given in 3 doses at age 2, 4, and 6 months or in 2 doses at age 2 and 4 months, depending on the formulation. In either case, a booster is recommended at age 12 to 15 months.
One dose is given to older children, adolescents, and adults who have asplenia or who are scheduled for an elective splenectomy if they are unimmunized. Some experts suggest giving a dose before elective splenectomy regardless of vaccination history. The dose is given ≥ 14 days before elective splenectomy if possible.
A 3-dose regimen is given 6 to 12 months after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation; doses are separated by ≥ 4 weeks.
Adverse Effects of Hib Vaccine
Adverse effects are rare. They can include pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site and, in children, fever, crying, and irritability.
More Information
The following English-language resources may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of these resources.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP): Hib ACIP Vaccine Recommendations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Hib Vaccination: Information for Healthcare Professionals
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC): Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Infection: Recommended vaccinations
