ActHIB
Generic name:haemophilus b conjugate (PRP-T) vaccine [ hem-OFF-il-us-B-KON-ju-gate ]
Brand names: ActHIB, Hiberix
Drug class:Bacterial vaccines
What is ActHIB?
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacteria that can cause serious illness, including breathing problems or meningitis. Hib infection usually affects children and can be fatal.
ActHIB is used to prevent this disease in children, and is sometimes combined with vaccines to protect against other diseases.
ActHIB is given to children between the ages of 2 months to 5 years old. Hiberix is given to children between the ages of 6 weeks to 4 years (prior to fifth birthday).
The vaccine 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.
Like any vaccine, haemophilus B conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if your child uses other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
Your child should not receive this vaccine if he or she has ever had an allergic reaction to a haemophilus B, tetanus, or meningococcal vaccine.
If your child has any of these other conditions, this vaccine 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; or
a history of seizures.
How should I receive this vaccine?
This vaccine is injected into a muscle. Your child will receive this injection in a doctor's office or clinic setting.
This vaccine is given in a series of shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is 2 months old. The other shots are then given at 4 months and 6 months of age. The booster shot is given at 15 to 18 months of age. The first shot may be given as early as 6 weeks 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. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the...
