Hiberix

Details

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Haemophilus Influenzae type b and Tetanus Vaccine is used to protect young children from Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type b) infection. It is a bacterial infection that is invasive, which means it spreads to the parts of the body which are germ-free. It is known by the name of Hiberix in India as well as abroad.

Purpose:

• This vaccine prevents bacterial infection from spreading.
• It also prevents a serious illness called meningitis which is a brain infection.
• This vaccine is used as a booster dose for children who have already received a primary series of Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine.
• Hiberix also prevents blood infection, redness pneumonia, bone infection, epiglottis (infection in the throat causing difficulty in breathing), and joint infection which can lead to arthritis.

 

Mechanism:

The Hib germ is spread through the nose or mouth when someone sneezes or coughs the droplets out. Haemophilus Influenzae type b and Tetanus Vaccine is made with a coating that is combined with a protein. When this is injected into the body, it helps the body to boost its immunity. The body produces antibodies whenever faced with foreign organisms, to not let them enter inside.

 

Dosage:

• It is meant for children below the age of 5yrs because they are the ones who are exposed to the highest risk of developing Hib infection.
• It is recommended to give the first dose at the age of 2 months and a third dose at the age of 6 months.
• Most adults have hib antibodies in their system and older children are less likely to develop this infection, therefore Haemophilus Influenzae type b and Tetanus Vaccine is not taken by them.
• At least 3 doses are considered to be effective, however, if there’s a higher risk, it can be increased to 4.
• Adults and older children who are in a profound condition of developing Hib infection should be injected with at least 1 dose.

 

Side effects:

• Nausea
• Redness/soreness at the site of injection
• There are no serious reactions recorded to Hiberix.

Precautions and measures:

• Haemophilus Influenzae type b and Tetanus Vaccine should be administered in adults and older children only if they have sickle cell disease, HIV, Leukaemia or their spleen has been removed.
• Other conditions could be the suppression of their immune system due to the treatment of cancer.
• There is a possibility of the child developing meningitis at some point from other germs other than Hib.
• Children who are patients of Hodgkin’s disease should receive Hiberix at least 14 days prior to their treatment or are advised to wait for at least 3 months after the chemotherapy is stopped.
• In exceptional cases, it is used for adults but is not meant for pregnant and lactating women.
• Always shake the syringe well before use.
• Caps of prefilled syringes contain rubber latex, which can be a source of an allergic reaction.
• Keep it away from kids and pets.

The injection should be administered under the skin or into a muscle.