ActHIB
® (
Hib vaccine) is a childhood vaccine approved for use in children 2 to 18 months of age. It provides protection against
Haemophilus influenzae type b (
Hib), a type of bacteria that can cause potentially life-threatening diseases.
ActHIB is freeze-dried and can be reconstituted with saline for a vaccine that contains just ActHIB, or it can be mixed with the
Tripedia® vaccine (a
DTaP vaccine) for a combination vaccine that provides protection against Hib, diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis.
(Click ActHIB Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label indications.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
ActHIB does not contain thimerosal (a mercury-containing preservative). Parents who are concerned about exposing their children to thimerosal can be confident that this vaccine has no thimerosal -- not even trace amounts. Some parents are also concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines; ActHIB does not contain aluminum.
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components or animal components, unlike some vaccines.
ActHIB is made by Sanofi Pasteur, Inc.
This vaccine contains Hib polysaccharides, which are sugar molecules from the outside coating of the Hib bacteria. Simply stated, the components of this vaccine "trick" the body into thinking it has been exposed to Hib, but without the risk of being exposed to the actual bacteria. The body produces antibodies that will help fight infection against the bacteria if future exposure occurs.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations to keep in mind with this vaccine include the following:
- ActHIB is typically given as four separate doses during early childhood.
- This vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the thigh or upper arm.
- Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the ActHIB vaccine should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
The particular dosing schedule for this vaccine depends on the age of the child at the first dose of the vaccine
(see ActHIB Dosage for more information).
Side Effects of ActHIB
Just like any vaccine, ActHIB may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives it will experience problems. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects, if any.
If adverse reactions do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can be treated easily by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common reactions to this product include, but are not limited to:
- Redness, warmth, or swelling at the injection site
- Fever.
(Click ActHIB Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Child's Healthcare Provider?
Before your child receives this vaccine, talk with your healthcare provider if your child has:
- An immune-suppressing condition, such as HIV or AIDS, diabetes, or cancer
- A bleeding disorder
- Had any sort of a reaction to any vaccine before
- A moderate or severe illness
- Any allergies, including to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about all of the medicines your child takes, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
How Should ActHIB Be Stored?
Both the freeze-dried and liquid forms of ActHIB should be stored in the refrigerator. The vaccine should never be frozen.
ActHIB is available in single-use vials, which contain the freeze-dried vaccine. The healthcare provider will mix the freeze-dried form with either saline, for a vaccine that contains just ActHIB, or with
Tripedia, a
DTaP vaccine. When packaged with Tripedia, this combination product is known as TriHIBit
®.
Is There a Generic Version of ActHIB?
