haemophilus b conjugate (PRP-T) vaccine Health Article

Generic name(s):

haemophilus b conjugate (PRP-T) vaccine

Brand name(s):

ActHIB

What is the most important information I should know about this vaccine?

The haemophilus B conjugate vaccine is given in a series of shots. In most cases, this vaccine is given as 2 separate shots, 2 months apart. A booster dose is then given 2 months after the last shot, or no later than 18 months of age.

Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine. If your child does not receive the full series of vaccines, he or she may not be fully protected against the disease.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Your child should not receive a booster vaccine if he or she had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When the child receives a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with haemophilus B is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine to protect against it. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

What is haemophilus B conjugate (PRP-T) vaccine?

Haemophilus B is a type of influenza (flu) caused by bacteria.

Haemophilus B bacteria can infect the lungs or throat, and can also spread to the blood, bones, joints, brain, or spinal cord. It can cause breathing problems or meningitis, and these infections can be fatal.

Haemophilus B disease can spread from one person to another through small droplets of saliva that are expelled into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also be passed through contact with objects the infected person has touched, such as a door handle, or other surface. The bacteria can also be passed through kissing, or sharing a drinking glass or eating utensil with an infected person.

Haemophilus B conjugate vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by haemophilus B bacteria, and is sometimes combined with vaccines to protect against other diseases. Haemophilus B vaccine will not protect against other types of influenza.

Haemophilus B conjugate vaccine works by exposing your child to a small dose of the bacteria or a protein from the bacteria, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Haemophilus B conjugate vaccine is for use in children between the ages of 2 months and 18 months old.

Like any vaccine, haemophilus B conjugate vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.