PedvaxHIB
The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine protects you against infections caused by Hib bacteria. PedvaxHIB is one of the brands of Hib vaccine. It's injected into the muscles, typically as a 2-dose series given to infants during their routine vaccinations. Sometimes, children might need an additional booster dose of PedvaxHIB. The most common side effect of PedvaxHIB is fever.
What is PedvaxHIB?
What is PedvaxHIB used for?
Prevention of Hib disease
How PedvaxHIB works
PedvaxHIB 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.
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What are the side effects of PedvaxHIB?
Common Side Effects
- Fever (up to 18%)
Other Side Effects
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
Serious Side Effects
- Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, nausea, flushing, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain
Source:Â DailyMed
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
chills
fever over 102 degrees F (39 degrees C)
lack or loss of strength
seizures
tightness in the chest
troubled breathing
Incidence not known
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
bluish lips or skin
dizziness
fast heartbeat
hives or welts, skin rash
itching (especially of the feet or hands)
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
rapid weight gain
reddening of the skin (especially around the ears)
swelling of the eyes, face, or inside of the nose
swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual tiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)
unusual weight gain or loss
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Fever less than 102 degrees F (39 degrees C)
irritability
redness, pain, swelling, tenderness, or warm feeling at the injection site
reduced physical activity
restlessness
sleepiness
Less common
Prolonged crying lasting more than 4 hours
unusual high-pitched crying
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of PedvaxHIB
Pros
Works well to prevent Hib disease
Can be given with other vaccines
One less dose to complete primary series, compared to ActHIB and Hiberix
Cons
Can only be given as an injection into the muscle
Must be given by a healthcare provider at an office, clinic, or pharmacy
Contains latex
Pharmacist tips for PedvaxHIB
Read the vaccine information statement for more information on PedvaxHIB.
Eligible children can receive PedvaxHIB at any facility that's enrolled in the Vaccines for Children Program at no cost. Your child can also receive PedvaxHIB at their provider's office or local pharmacy, or certain community sites (e.g., health clinics, schools, workplaces).
Let your child's provider or pharmacist know if your child is sick before receiving PedvaxHIB. It's best to wait until they're healthy to get PedvaxHIB because it'll make sure their immune system protects them as best as it can. Depending on how sick your child is, they might need to wait to receive PedvaxHIB. Ask your provider if you're not sure whether or not you can get this vaccine.
Possible side effects of PedvaxHIB 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 your child needs to go in for their PedvaxHIB injections; this will make sure they're fully protected against Hib disease.
Keep a record of all your child's immunizations and show it to their provider or pharmacist before receiving any vaccine. This will help make sure your child is receiving all their vaccines on schedule.
If your child experiences a severe reaction to PedvaxHIB, you or your child's provider can report it to the vaccine adverse event reporting system (VAERS) website or by calling 1-800-822-7967.
Frequently asked questions about PedvaxHIB
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What are the risks and warnings for PedvaxHIB?
PedvaxHIB 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 | Latex allergy
As with any vaccine, there's a rare chance that you might have a severe allergic reaction to PedvaxHIB. Your risk is higher if you're allergic to latex because the vial stopper contains natural rubber latex. 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 PedvaxHIB in people with weakened immune systems
Risk factors: Medical conditions that weaken the immune system | Taking medications that lower your immune system
PedvaxHIB 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., HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), cancer) or take medications that weaken your immune system (e.g., high-dose corticosteroids, transplant medications), don't get PedvaxHIB until you've talked with your provider first.
Fainting
Risk factors: Fainting after receiving vaccines in the past
Fainting can happen while or after receiving injectable vaccines, such as PedvaxHIB. 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 very rare, some people have reported getting GBS Hib vaccine. GBS is a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and paralysis. Let your provider know right away if you experience these symptoms.
PedvaxHIB dosage forms
Typical dosing for PedvaxHIB
Infants
Primary immunization (2-dose series): The typical dose is 1 injection into the muscles at ages 2 and 4 months of age.
Booster: The typical dose is 1 injection, usually between 12 to 15 months old.
Please note: Healthcare providers typically give PedvaxHIBs according to the CDC's recommendations, which might differs slightly from manufacturer's directions.
Providers might recommend Hib for adults and older children with certain health conditions.
Interactions between PedvaxHIB and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does PedvaxHIB cost?
PedvaxHIB contraindications
What are alternatives to PedvaxHIB?
Diphtheria
Tetanus
Pertussis (whooping cough)
Poliovirus
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
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References
Best studies we foundCenters for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Haemophilus influenzae disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). About Hib vaccines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) VIS.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). About the Vaccines for Children Program (VFC).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Adult immunization schedule by age (addendum updated June 27, 2024).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Child and adolescent immunization schedule by medical indication.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program information for awardees.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About Haemophilus influenzae disease.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Haemophilus influenzae disease symptoms and complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Hib vaccination.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Hib vaccine recommendations.
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2023). Pedvaxhib- haemophilus b conjugate vaccine (meningococcal protein conjugate) injection, suspension [package insert]. DailyMed.
Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (2023). Acthib- haemophilus influenzae type b strain 1482 capsular polysaccharide tetanus toxoid conjugate antigen [package insert]. DailyMed.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2021). Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B).
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