Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine
The Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) conjugate vaccine is an immunization that protects against serious infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria, including meningitis, pneumonia, epiglottitis, and other invasive diseases. This vaccine is primarily administered to infants and young children, typically beginning at 2 months of age, and is often combined with other childhood vaccines in a single injection.
A childhood vaccine that protects against serious Hib bacterial infections like meningitis and pneumonia.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 798279
- Generic
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B, Capsular Polysaccharide Inactivated Tetanus Toxoid Conjugate Vaccine
- Class
- unclassified
- Brands
- ActHIB, Pentacel, Hiberix
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Prevention of Haemophilus influenzae type b infections including bacterial meningitis, pneumonia, bacteremia, epiglottitis, septic arthritis, and cellulitis, primarily used as routine childhood immunization starting at 2 months of age.
The vaccine contains capsular polysaccharide from the Hib bacterium conjugated (chemically linked) to a tetanus toxoid protein carrier. This conjugation converts the T-cell independent polysaccharide antigen into a T-cell dependent antigen, enhancing immune response and providing effective protection even in young infants whose immune systems cannot respond adequately to polysaccharide antigens alone.
The Hib vaccine is generally well-tolerated with mild side effects such as redness or swelling at the injection site. It is contraindicated in individuals with severe allergic reactions to any vaccine component. Multiple formulations exist (PRP-T, PRP-OMP, PRP-D, PRP-HbOC) with varying schedules; boosters may be needed depending on the specific vaccine product used.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 29, 2026. · Read our editorial policy