what is hib vaccine

The Hib vaccine, or Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine, is used to prevent infection by the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Hib bacteria were once a leading cause of serious infections in children under 5, including meningitis (infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia, epiglottitis (a life-threatening throat infection), and other invasive diseases like blood, bone, or joint infections. The vaccine is highly effective and recommended by health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is given by injection, usually in multiple doses starting around 6 weeks of age, with booster doses to maintain immunity. Hib vaccines are conjugate vaccines, meaning they link a piece of the bacteria's polysaccharide capsule to a protein to enhance the immune response. Since the introduction of routine Hib vaccination, the incidence of severe Hib infections has dropped dramatically, by more than 90% in many countries. The vaccine is very safe, with mild side effects like pain at the injection site or mild fever occurring in a small percentage of recipients. Severe allergic reactions are extremely rare. In many immunization schedules, the Hib vaccine is given either alone or in combination with vaccines for other diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, or hepatitis B. The Hib vaccine is critical in protecting young children and others at risk from serious and potentially life- threatening Hib infections.