Keep your child safe.
Get all vaccines on time.
By getting all vaccines on time, your child can be protected from many diseases over a lifetime.
Immunization has saved more lives in Canada in the last 50 years than any other health measure.
The Hib vaccine protects against infection from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria. Despite its name, this disease is not the same as influenza (the flu).
The vaccine is approved by Health Canada and is provided free as part of your child’s routine immunizations. Call your health care provider to make an appointment.
Children between 2 months and 59 months of age (under 5 years) should get the Hib vaccine. It is usually combined with other vaccines such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and polio. For more information, visit the following HealthLinkBC Files:
Some people 5 years of age and older with certain medical conditions are at high risk of Hib infection. The vaccine is free to people who have:
If you have been in close contact with someone infected with Hib, it may be recommended that you get the Hib vaccine.
It is important to keep a record of all immunizations received.
The Hib vaccine is the best way to protect against Hib infection, a serious and sometimes fatal disease. When you get immunized, you help protect others as well.
Vaccines are very safe. It is much safer to get the vaccine than to get sick with Haemophilus influenzae type b.
Common reactions to the vaccine may include soreness, swelling or redness at the injection site. Some children may have a fever or experience drowsiness, fussiness, vomiting, diarrhea, persistent crying and loss of appetite.
Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol®) or ibuprofen* (e.g. Advil®) can be given for fever or soreness. ASA (e.g. Aspirin®) should not be given to anyone under 18 years of age due to the risk of Reye syndrome.
*Ibuprofen should not be given to children under 6 months of age without first speaking to your health care provider.
For more information on Reye Syndrome, see HealthLinkBC File #84 Reye syndrome.
It is important to stay in the clinic for 15 minutes after getting any vaccine. There is an extremely rare possibility of a life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. This happens in less than one in a million people who get the vaccine. Symptoms may include hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the throat, tongue or lips. If this reaction occurs, your health care provider is prepared to treat it. Emergency treatment includes administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) and transfer by ambulance to the nearest emergency department. If symptoms develop after you leave the clinic, call 9-1-1 or the local emergency number.
Always report serious or unexpected reactions to your health care provider.
Speak with a health care provider if you or your child has had a life-threatening reaction to a previous dose of a Hib vaccine or any part of the vaccine.
There is no need to delay getting immunized because of a cold or other mild illness. If you have concerns, speak with your health care provider.
Hib infection is caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. The bacteria usually infect children under 5 years of age with most infections occurring in children less than 2 years of age.
Hib can cause serious and life-threatening infections including meningitis, an infection of the lining that covers the brain. It can also cause septicemia, an infection of the blood. For every 20 children who get sick, 1 may die. Permanent complications of infection include brain damage and deafness.
Hib bacteria can also cause a serious and life-threatening infection in the throat called epiglottitis. A child with epiglottitis may have severe difficulty breathing and may need an emergency operation to help them breathe.
Hib infection is spread by coughing, sneezing or close face-to-face contact. It also spreads through saliva when people kiss or share things such as food, utensils and drinks. Babies and children can become sick through sharing soothers, bottles or toys used by other children.
Hib disease is rare in B.C. because of routine childhood immunization programs.
It is recommended that parents or guardians and their children discuss consent for immunization. Children under the age of 19, who are able to understand the benefits and possible reactions for each vaccine and the risk of not getting immunized, can legally consent to or refuse immunizations. For more information on mature minor consent, visit HealthLinkBC File #119 The Infants Act, mature minor consent and immunization.
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