Hiberix ® ( Hib vaccine) is a childhood vaccine. It is approved as a booster vaccine for children 15 months old through four years old (before the fifth birthday). This vaccine provides protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b ( Hib), a type of bacteria that can cause potentially life-threatening diseases.
Hiberix (approved by the Food and Drug Administration in August 2009) is a much-welcomed addition to the group of available Hib vaccines, since it helps to increase the supplies of Hib vaccine after a considerable shortage. The booster Hib dose was temporarily postponed for almost all children during the shortage but has been reinstated (as of June 2009).
(Click Hiberix Uses for more information on what the vaccine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
Hiberix 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 concerned about the aluminum content of vaccines; Hiberix does not contain aluminum.
Hiberix is not made from human fetal components or animal components, as some vaccines are.
This vaccine is made by GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals.
Hiberix contains Hib polysaccharides, which are basically 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, without the risk of being exposed to the actual bacteria. The body produces antibodies that will help fight the infections if future exposure occurs.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations include the following:
- This vaccine is typically given as a single booster dose for children ages 15 months through four years of age.
- Hiberix is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the upper arm or thigh.
- Children can be vaccinated if they have a minor illness, such as the common cold. However, the vaccine should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
Hiberix Dosing Information
There is only one standard recommended dosage for this vaccine.
As with any vaccine, Hiberix may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccine will experience side effects. In fact, most children tolerate it well, with only minor side effects (if any).
If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
Some of the most common side effects include, but are not limited to:
- Pain and redness at the injection site
- Fever
- Fussiness.
(Click Hiberix Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Getting Vaccinated?
You should talk to a healthcare provider before your child receives this vaccine 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 in the past
- A moderate or severe illness
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Make sure to tell the healthcare provider about any medicines your child is taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Hiberix (both the freeze-dried portion and the liquid portion) should be stored in the refrigerator. The vaccine should never be frozen.
The vaccine is available in single-use vials (which contain the freeze-dried vaccine) that are mixed together with the diluent (the liquid portion), which comes in a prefilled syringe.
Is There a Generic Version of Hiberix?
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