PedvaxHIB
® (
Hib vaccine) is a childhood vaccine approved for use in children ranging from two months to six years of age. It provides protection against
Haemophilus influenzae type b (
Hib), a type of bacteria that can cause potentially life-threatening diseases.
PedvaxHIB is unavailable at this time due to problems with the manufacturing process. Although it was expected to return to the market approximately "mid-2009," it is still unavailable.
(Click PedvaxHIB Uses for more information on what the medication is used for, including possible off-label indications.)
Thimerosal Content and Other Concerns
PedvaxHIB 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; PedvaxHIB contains 225 mcg (0.225 mg) of aluminum per dose.
This vaccine is not made from human fetal components or animal components, unlike some vaccines.
PedvaxHIB is made by Merck & Co., 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 if future exposure occurs.
When and How to Get Vaccinated
Some general considerations to keep in mind with the PedvaxHIB vaccine include the following:
- This vaccine is typically given as three separate doses during early childhood.
- PedvaxHIB 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 vaccine should be postponed if the child is moderately or severely ill.
PedvaxHIB Dosing Information
The particular dosing schedule for this vaccine depends on the age of the child when the first dose is given
(see PedvaxHIB Dosage for more information).
Side Effects
Just like any vaccine, PedvaxHIB may cause side effects. However, not everyone who receives the vaccination 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 problems are less common.
Some of the most common side effects seen with PedvaxHIB include, but are not limited to:
- Irritability
- Sleepiness
- Soreness, swelling, or redness at the injection site.
(Click PedvaxHIB 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 the PedvaxHIB vaccine, talk with the 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 a vaccine
- 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 PedvaxHIB Be Stored?
This vaccine should be stored in the refrigerator. It should never be frozen.
PedvaxHIB is available in single-use vials, each containing one 0.5-mL dose of the vaccine. The vaccine is already in liquid form and does not need to be reconstituted.
Is There a Generic Version?
