Pedvaxhib (Intramuscular)

Generic name: haemophilus b conjugate vaccine (intramuscular route) [ hee-MOF-i-lus-B-KON-joo-gate-VAX-een ]
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 13, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• ActHIB
• Hibtiter
• Pedvaxhib

Available Dosage Forms:

• Powder for Solution
• Powder for Suspension
• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Vaccine

Uses for Pedvaxhib

Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine (tetanus toxoid conjugate) is an active immunizing agent that is used to prevent infection caused by the Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease.

Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine is prepared by adding a diphtheria, meningococcal, or tetanus-related substance to the process. However, this vaccine does not take the place of the regular vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, or meningococcus that children and adults should receive. All of the haemophilus b conjugate vaccines work the same way, but they may be given at different ages or different schedules.

Infections with Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningitis (a brain disease), epiglottitis (a throat disease that can cause suffocation), pericarditis (a heart disease), pneumonia (a lung disease), and septic arthritis (a bone and joint disease). Hib meningitis may cause death or leave the child with serious and permanent damage, such as mental retardation, deafness, epilepsy, or partial blindness.

Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine is recommended for all children 2 months to 5 years of age (up to the 6th birthday).

The Hiberix® vaccine is used as a booster dose for children who have already received the primary series with a haemophilus b conjugate vaccine. The vaccine will "boost" or increase the protection that the child had from an earlier dose.

This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using Pedvaxhib

In deciding to use a vaccine, the risks of taking the vaccine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this vaccine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ActHIB®, HibTITER®, or PedvaxHIB® in children 2 months to 5 years of age. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children 6 years of age and older and children younger than 2 months of age.

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of the Hiberix® vaccine in children 15 months to 4 years of age. However, ...