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.
Drug facts
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%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Redness and swelling at the injection site
PedvaxHIB 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 PedvaxHIB 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.
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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.
Common questions about PedvaxHIB
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5ml | 1 vial | $37.22 | $37.22 |
Typical dosage 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?
$37.22
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.
