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Haemophilus b conjugate belongs to a group of medications known as vaccines. It is used to prevent invasive infections (e.g., meningitis) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in infants and children 2 months to 5 years of age. It increases a person's defenses against Hib infections by stimulating the production of a person's own antibodies, which will remain in the body until needed to fight off any future Hib bacteria.
Your child's doctor may have suggested this vaccine for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this vaccine may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your child's doctor or are not sure why your child is receiving this vaccine, speak to your child's doctor.
Each 0.5 mL dose contains 7.5 µg of Haemophilus b PRP and 125 µg of Neisseria meningitidis OMPC. Nonmedicinal ingredients: aluminum hydroxide, sodium borate, and sodium chloride. Preservative and lactose free.
Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine should not be used by anyone who is allergic to the Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine or to any of the ingredients of the vaccine.
Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who receives this vaccine. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this vaccine with your child's doctor.
The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people receiving this vaccine. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.
Contact your child's doctor if your child experiences these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.
- diarrhea
- fever (usually lasts less than 48 hours)
- irritability
- pain, soreness, redness, swelling, or a lump at the place of injection
- prolonged crying
- sleepiness
- unusual high-pitched crying
Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not check with your child's doctor or seek medical attention.
Check with your child's doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- ear pain or infection
- rash
- vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:
- seizures
- signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing or swallowing; hives; swelling of the eyes, face, or mouth)
Be sure to mention any side effects to your child's doctor, as it may mean that your child is allergic to the vaccine.
Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your child's doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you after your child receives this vaccine.
There may be an interaction between the Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine and any of the following:
- immunosuppressive therapy (e.g., some medications used for the treatment of cancer or for transplant recipients)
If your child is taking any of these medications, speak with their doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your child's specific circumstances, your child's doctor may want your child to:
- stop taking one of the medications,
- change one of the medications to another,
- change how your child is taking one or both of the medications, or
- leave everything as is.
An interaction between two medications does not always mean that your child must stop taking one of them. Speak to your child's doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.
Medications other than those listed above may interact with this vaccine. Tell your child's doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), supplements, and herbal medications your child is taking.
Before your child receives this vaccine, be sure to inform your child's doctor of any medical conditions or allergies your child may have, any medications your child is taking, and any other significant facts about your child's health. These factors may affect the vaccine your child is receiving.
Immune system: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not be as effective for people with a weakened immune system (e.g., people with AIDS or cancer, people taking antirejection medications after an organ transplant, people receiving chemotherapy, people taking any medication that suppresses the immune system). If your child has a weakened immune system, their doctor may decide to postpone the vaccine till their immune system recovers.
Infection or fever: This vaccine should not be given to anyone who has an active infection or an illness associated with fever, unless the doctor decides that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Vaccine protection: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not protect 100% of people who receive it and may not prevent infection in those people already infected with the bacteria.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Studies have not been conducted with this vaccine during pregnancy or breast-feeding. This vaccine is not recommended for anyone 6 years of age or older.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of this vaccine have not been established for infants younger than 2 months or children 6 years of age or older.
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