Act – Hib

Details

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Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine is used to prevent infection caused by Haemophilus Influenzae B bacteria. It is sometimes given in combination with other vaccines such as Tetanus. It is known by the name Act – Hib all over the world. This vaccine is approved for children of 2 months to 5years of age.

Purpose:

• Act – Hib is used for active immunization of infants and children between 2 months and 5 years of age to prevent any invasive diseases in the future.
• It is also used to prevent diseases caused by tetanus.

 

How does it work?

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine Is an inactivated polysaccharide and conjugate vaccine. When the vaccine is administered it stimulates the body’s immune system to produce antibodies which will protect from the further infections of Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. The conjugate vaccine is used recently as it provides a better immune response because it is identified by B and T cells.

 

Dosage:

• Act – Hib vaccine is usually given in four doses at different time intervals by the qualified and experienced physician.
• The first three doses of the vaccine are given at the age of 2,4 and 6 months as a single dose of 0.5mL through the intramuscular route.
• The final booster dose is given at 15 to 18 months of age.
• It shouldn’t be administered through an intravenous or subcutaneous route.

 

Side effects:

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine Vaccine shows some side effects

Common side effects:

• Redness at the site of infection
• Swelling
• Loss of appetite
• Mild Fussiness

  Serious side effects:

• Irritation
• Crying for more than an hour
• Drowsiness
• Severe fever
• Hives
• Diarrhoea for a long time
• convulsions

 

If the above-mentioned conditions occur, get medical help right away

 

Precautions:

• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine Is not approved to use in individuals above 6 years of age.
• The second dose of the vaccine is not administered to the patients who undergo serious anaphylactic reactions with the previous dose.
• It should not be given to the child who has anaphylactic reactions to any vaccine component.
• This vaccine is not a substitute for the immunization of tetanus vaccination.
• This vaccine should be used in caution if a child has Guillain Barre syndrome.
• It should be contraindicated in the child who has immune system disorders such as H.I.V, or AIDS, and cancer.
• It should be avoided in immunosuppressant children as the effective immune response is not seen.

 

Storage:

• Act – Hib vaccine should be stored at 2° to 8°C.

Do not freeze the vaccine.