Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine belongs to a group of medications known as vaccines. It is used to prevent invasive infections (e.g., meningitis) caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in infants and children ages 2 months and older. It increases a child's defenses against Hib infections by stimulating the production of the child's own antibodies, which will remain in the body until needed to fight off any future Hib bacteria they may be exposed to.

Your child's doctor may have suggested this vaccine for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this vaccine may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your child's doctor or are not sure why your child is receiving this vaccine, speak to your child's doctor.

The usual dose of this vaccine is 0.5 mL given as an injection into the muscle of the outer thigh or the outer aspect of the upper arm. Depending on when your child starts their immunization (vaccination) series, the number of doses they receive may be different.

This vaccine is given by a health care professional in a doctor's office, hospital, or clinic.

If immunization begins at 2 months to 6 months of age, 3 doses should given (0.5 mL per dose): first dose at the initial visit, the second dose 2 months later, and the third dose at 12 months of age.

Children between the ages of 7 months to 11 months who have not previously received the vaccine should be given 3 doses (0.5 mL per dose): the first 2 doses should be given 2 months apart, and the third (booster) dose should be given at 15 to 18 months of age (or as soon as possible thereafter) and not less than 2 months after the second dose.

Children between the ages of 12 months and 17 months who have not previously received the vaccine should be given 2 doses (0.5 mL per dose): the first dose as soon as possible, and the second at 18 months of age or later (at least 2 months after the first dose).

Children between the ages of 18 months and 5 years who have not previously received the vaccine should be given 1 dose (0.5 mL) only.

It is very important that this vaccine be given on a regular schedule as prescribed by the doctor. If your child misses a dose of this vaccine, check with your child's health care professional. Add all vaccines your child receives to their immunization record.

This medication is stored in the refrigerator and should not be allowed to freeze.

Your child should not receive this medication if they:

• are allergic to Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine or any ingredients of the medication
• are currently experiencing a fever or a severe, acute illness

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who receives this vaccine. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this vaccine with your child's doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people receiving this vaccine. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your child's doctor if your child experiences these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• diarrhea
• fever (usually lasts less than 48 hours)
• irritability
• pain, soreness, redness, swelling, or a lump at the place of injection
• sleepiness
• vomiting

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your child's doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• rash
• temporary breathing interruptions

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• seizures
• signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., difficulty breathing or swallowing; hives; swelling of the eyes, face, or mouth)

Be sure to mention any side effects to your child's doctor, as it may mean that your child is allergic to the vaccine.

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your child's doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you after your child receives this vaccine.

Before your child receives this vaccine, be sure to inform your child's doctor of any medical conditions or allergies your child may have, any medications your child is taking, and any other significant facts about your child's health. These factors may affect the vaccine your child is receiving.

Bleeding disorders: If you or your child have a bleeding disorder or are taking medications that make you more likely to bleed (i.e., warfarin, acetylsalicylic acid [ASA]) tell the person giving you the injection. There is a risk of excessive bleeding where you get the injection if it is not done carefully.

Immune system: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not be as effective for people with a weakened immune system (e.g., people with AIDS or cancer, people taking antirejection medications after an organ transplant, people receiving chemotherapy, people taking any medication that suppresses the immune system). If your child has a weakened immune system, their doctor may decide to postpone the vaccine till their immune system recovers.

Infection or fever: This vaccine should not be given to anyone who has an active infection or an illness associated with fever, unless the doctor decides that the benefits outweigh the risks.

Vaccine protection: As with any vaccine, this vaccine may not protect 100% of people who receive it and may not prevent infection in those people already infected with the bacteria.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Studies have not been conducted with this vaccine during pregnancy or breast-feeding. This vaccine is not recommended for anyone 6 years of age or older.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of this vaccine have not been established for infants younger than 2 months or children 6 years of age or older.

There may be an interaction between the Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine and any of the following:

• medications that suppress the immune system:

• corticosteroids (e.g., dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, prednisone)
• medications used to treat conditions such as cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, or medications used after a transplant

If your child is taking any of these medications, speak with their doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your child's specific circumstances, your child's doctor may want your child to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how your child is taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that your child must stop taking one of them. Speak to your child's doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this vaccine. Tell your child's doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), supplements, and herbal medications your child is taking.