Acthib and Hiberix
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine protects you against infections caused by Hib bacteria. ActHIB and Hiberix are different brands of Hib vaccine. Both are injected into the muscles and are typically given as a 3-dose series (plus an additional booster dose) to infants during their routine vaccinations. Sometimes, providers might recommend Hib vaccines for older children and adults with certain health conditions. Some side effects of Hib vaccine include pain at the injection site and sleepiness.
What is Hib vaccine?
What is Hib vaccine used for?
- Prevention of Hib disease
How Hib vaccine works
Hib vaccine is a conjugate vaccine that helps protect you from Hib disease caused by infection from the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. The vaccine helps your body's immune system make antibodies that will attack the bacteria if it ever infects you.
Drug facts
Side effects of Hib vaccine
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
ActHIB
- Sleepiness (13-36%)
- Irritability (13-27%)
- Tenderness, swelling, hardening at injection site (up to 20%)
- Lower appetite (6-13%)
Hiberix
- Irritability (67-70%)
- Sleepiness (49-60%)
- Pain, redness, swelling at injection site (up to 49%)
- Low appetite (28-29%)
- Fever (14-19%)
Less Common Side Effects
ActHIB
- Vomiting
- Fever
Hib vaccine serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
The following Hib vaccine side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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Pros and cons of Hib vaccine
Pros
- Works well to prevent Hib disease
- Readily available and easy to find
- Can be given with other vaccines
Cons
- Infant primary series for ActHIB and Hiberix requires 3 doses (plus a booster dose)
- Can only be given as an injection into the muscle
- Must be given by a healthcare provider at an office, clinic, or pharmacy
Pharmacist tips for Hib vaccine
- Read the Vaccine Information Statement for more information on Hib vaccine.
- Eligible children can receive Hib vaccine at any facility that's enrolled in the Vaccines for Children Program at no cost. You can also receive Hib vaccine at your provider's office or local pharmacy, or certain community sites (e.g., health clinics, schools, workplaces).
- Wait until you're healthy to get Hib vaccine. This will help make sure your immune system protects you as best as it can. If you have a mild sickness, such as a cold or low-grade fever, you can still get Hib vaccine. But if you feel moderately to severely sick, wait until you recover before getting this vaccine. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether or not you can get this vaccine.
- Possible side effects of Hib vaccine include redness, warmth, and swelling at the injection site, and fever. If any of these side effects occur, they usually last for 2 or 3 days.
- Make sure to mark the dates on your calendar of when you need to go in for all of Hib vaccine injections so that you receive your doses on time and get fully protected against Hib disease.
- Keep a record of all your immunizations and show it to your provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine, including Hib vaccine, to make sure you're receiving all your vaccines on schedule.
- If you experience a severe reaction to Hib vaccine, you or your provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Common questions about Acthib
Acthib lowers your risk of getting Hib infections. Hib spreads in the air through droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person who coughs or sneezes. Once Hib gets inside your body, it can cause severe infections in different areas, like the brain and lungs. While there are several antibiotics available to treat Hib infections, these infections can also lead to long-term health complications. It's best to receive Acthib for the most protection against Hib.
Acthib is a conjugate vaccine, which means that it's made of a piece of the bacteria and a protein attached together. Once injected into your body, it helps your immune system make antibodies so you're protected if you ever come in contact with the Hib bacteria.
Both ActHIB and Hiberix are brands of Acthib. They're both 3-dose series that are recommended for infants as routine vaccinations. The only difference is Hiberix can be given to infants as young as 6 weeks of age, whereas the earliest age ActHIB can be given is 2 months.
ActHIB and PedvaxHIB are two brands that work well to prevent Hib disease. The main difference is the number of doses that are needed to complete the primary vaccination. PedvaxHIB is given as a 2-dose series, while ActHIB is a 3-dose series. If appropriate, your child's provider might recommend an additional booster dose, no matter which brand your child receives. Another difference is that ActHIB doesn't contain latex in its packaging, but PedvaxHIB does.
Acthib provides protection against Hib for a long time, though the exact duration isn't clear. If your child has received all doses of Acthib primary series and booster, they typically don't need additional boosters as adults.
Yes, Acthib is a recommended vaccine for all infants starting at 2 months of age. There's also catch-up vaccination recommendations if your child didn't start the series at 2 months of age. This vaccine is recommended to prevent Hib disease, which can be severe and life-threatening. Ask your child's provider about how to start and complete the Acthib series.
The CDC recommends Acthib as a routine vaccine for all infants starting at 2 months of age. It's typically not recommended for older children or adults, unless in special situations. These can include older children who need catch-up vaccination or adults who have weakened immune systems that raise their risk of severe sickness. Ask your provider or pharmacist if you aren't sure if you or your child needs Acthib.
No, Acthib protects you from the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria, while the flu vaccine protects you from the influenza (flu) virus. Even though they sound similar, they're totally different pathogens that cause completely different illnesses. Both vaccines are routine for almost everyone to get. If you have further questions, speak to your provider or pharmacist.
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Risks and warnings for Hib vaccine
Hib vaccine can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Severe allergic reactions
- Risk factors: Allergic reaction to other vaccines
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to Hib vaccine. Your provider might ask you to stay at the pharmacy or clinic for a short period of time after you've received your vaccine to make sure you can get proper care in case of a serious allergic reaction. Sometimes, these reactions can happen after you've already left the clinic. Get medical help right away if you notice symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as feeling faint, swelling of the face, closing of the throat, difficulty breathing, hives or rash, dizziness, shaking, nausea, or chest pain.
Lower response to Hib vaccine in people with weakened immune systems
- Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system
Hib vaccine might not work as well in people with a weakened immune system. This can put you at higher risk of Hib disease, even after you've received the vaccine. If you have any medical conditions (e.g., human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, transplant medications), don't get Hib vaccine until you've talked with your provider first.
Risk of breathing issues (apnea) in premature babies
- Risk factors: Premature birth
Vaccines that are injected into the muscle, like Hib vaccine, can raise the risk of apnea in babies who were born prematurely. This is a condition where babies have a temporary pause in their breathing, with or without a slowed heart rate or low oxygen level. If your baby was born prematurely, be sure to discuss with your child's provider about the benefits and risks of your child receiving Hib vaccine.
Fainting
- Risk factors: Fainting after receiving vaccines in the past
Fainting can happen while or after receiving injectable vaccines, such as Hib vaccine. Signs of fainting include changes in vision, burning or tingling sensation, and stiffening or twitching of your arms and legs. Let your provider know if you've fainted after receiving any vaccine in the past so they can monitor you.
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
Although rare, some people have reported getting GBS after receiving Hib vaccine. GBS is a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and paralysis. Let your provider know right away if you experience these symptoms or if you've had GBS within 6 weeks of receiving a previous vaccine containing tetanus toxoid.
Hib vaccine dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml | 1 vial | $19.73 | $19.73 |
Typical dosage for Hib vaccine
Infants
- Primary immunization (3-dose series): The typical dose is 1 injection into the muscles at ages 2, 4, and 6 months of age.
- Booster: The typical dose is 1 injection, usually between 15 to 18 months old.
Please note: Healthcare providers typically give Hib vaccines according to the CDC's recommendations, which differs slightly from manufacturer's directions.
Providers might recommend Hib vaccines for adults and older children with certain health conditions.
How much does Hib vaccine cost?
$19.73
Hib vaccine contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Hib vaccine will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergy to tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine
What are alternatives to Hib vaccine?
Hib vaccine images
