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PedvaxHIB

haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine
Used for Bacterial Infection
Used for Bacterial Infection

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.

Last reviewed on November 16, 2023
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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.

Are you looking for information on ActHIB or Hiberix (Hib vaccine) 3-dose primary series instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsPedvaxHIB
Drug ClassVaccine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of PedvaxHIB?

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

  • Fever (up to 18%)

Other Side Effects

  • Redness and swelling at the injection site

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

Source: 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:

More common

Diarrhea

loss of appetite

vomiting

Less common

Earache

redness or swelling in the ear

Rare

Chest pain

chills

cough

fever over 102 degrees F (39 degrees C)

lack or loss of strength

seizures

sneezing

sore throat

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

Pros and cons of PedvaxHIB

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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

thumbs-down

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

Pharmacist tips for PedvaxHIB

pharmacist
  • 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.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about PedvaxHIB

            What does PedvaxHIB protect against?
            PedvaxHIB 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 PedvaxHIB for the most protection against Hib.
            What type of vaccine is PedvaxHIB?
            PedvaxHIB is a conjugate vaccine. This means that it's made by attaching a piece of the bacteria to a protein. Then, once injected into your body, it helps your immune system make antibodies that can protect you against Hib if you ever become infected with it.
            What is the difference between PedvaxHIB and ActHIB?
            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.
            How long does PedvaxHIB last?
            PedvaxHIB provides protection against Hib for a long time, though the exact duration isn't clear. If your child has received all doses of PedvaxHIB primary series and booster, they typically don't need additional boosters as adults. However, some adults might need a booster with ActHIB or Hiberix, such as those who don't have a spleen or who underwent a stem cell transplant. Ask your provider if you aren't sure if you need PedvaxHIB.
            Should children get PedvaxHIB?
            Yes, Hib vaccine (including PedvaxHIB) 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 Hib series.
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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.

            risk-warning

            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.

              risk-warning

              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.

                risk-warning

                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.

                  risk-warning

                  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.

                  dosage

                  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

                  Interactions between PedvaxHIB and other drugs

                  PedvaxHIB may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with PedvaxHIB. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  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.

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                  How much does PedvaxHIB cost?

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                  PedvaxHIB 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 PedvaxHIB will not be safe for you to take.
                  • Severe allergy to any tetanus toxoid-containing vaccine (e.g., DT, Td, DTaP, Tdap)

                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to PedvaxHIB?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of PedvaxHIB. Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  PedvaxHIB
                  Used for:
                  • Prevention of Hib disease

                  $42.18 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • Prevention of Hib disease

                  $21.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • Diphtheria

                  • Tetanus

                  • Pertussis (whooping cough)

                  • Poliovirus

                  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

                  $124.53 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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                  References

                  Best studies we found

                  Centers 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.

                  View All References (11)

                  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).

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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