The HiB vaccine is one of the mandatory vaccines for all Malaysian children. According to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it prevents infection from the Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria which is known to cause a variety of serious illnesses like meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis.
Here’s what you need to know about the HiB vaccine.
HiB (Haemophilus influenzae B) Vaccine
As per the National Library of Medicine, the HiB vaccine is usually a conjugate vaccine, made from parts or proteins derived from bacterial cells called antigens.
Just like the hepatitis B vaccine, the HiB vaccine is also administered to newborns 3 times—but within six months after their birth.
The injection site is in the deltoid muscle of the upper arm, as usual.
Common reactions to the HiB vaccine include pain, redness or swelling at the site of the injection, a high temperature, irritability, loss of appetite and sleepiness. These side effects are usually short, lasting a total of three days or less.
Hib vaccines are thought to provide long-lasting immunity; however, experts do not know the exact duration.
HiB Infection
According to the CDC, infection from the haemophilus influenzae virus type B (HIB) can affect the lungs, throat and/or brain.
In some severe cases, infection can even spread to the lungs causing pneumonia, and the bloodstream, causing bacteraemia.
The symptoms always start with fever and/or chills, followed by others depending on the locality of the infection.
If the bacteria affect the lungs, it causes pneumonia which results in coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain.
If the infection affects the throat region, it causes epiglottis, which can result in pain while swallowing, difficulty breathing and severe sore throat.
The most dangerous of all is when the bacteria attack the brain or spine, causing meningitis. Symptoms include stiff neck, headache convulsions or seizures, and even loss of consciousness.
HiB is transmissible through cough droplets and other regular means of infection. The usual treatment is antibiotics, but those who have been vaccinated have a much higher chance of surviving the disease.
It is very rare to see a vaccinated child experience a HiB infection, even as an adult.
Shield Your Child
HiB infections are one of the leading causes of meningitis in children, a dangerous, life-threatening disease. That’s why it’s important to always be up to date on all your child’s vaccinations.
Considering the shots occur within the span of six months, many parents may forget their appointment. But don’t slack off on those baby vaccinations.
Remember, mummies: They don’t just protect your child but hundreds of other children down the line.
Sources
- Allen, S. (2019, February 6). Epiglottitis. Healthline. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/epiglottitis
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, August 6). Vaccine information statement. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/vis/vis-statements/hib.html
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, March 4). Haemophilus influenzae disease (including Hib). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/hi-disease/index.html
- Kelly, D. F., Moxon, E. R., & Pollard, A. J. (2004, October). Haemophilus influenzae type B conjugate vaccines. Immunology. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1782565/
- Lights, V. (2022, March 22). Meningitis: Symptoms, causes, types, treatment, risks, vaccine. Healthline. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/meningitis
- Normandin, B. (2021, November 10). Everything you need to know about pneumonia. Healthline. Retrieved November 29, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/pneumonia
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!