User:Mr. Ibrahem/Hib vaccine

The Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine, commonly known as Hib vaccine, is a vaccine used to provide protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), a bacteria that can cause Haemophilus influenzae infection. In countries that include it as a routine vaccine, rates of severe Hib infections have decreased by more than 90%. It has therefore resulted in a decrease in the rate of meningitis, pneumonia, and epiglottitis. It is given by injection into a muscle.

It is recommended for all children by both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Two or three doses should be given before six months of age. In the United States a fourth dose is recommended between 12 and 15 months of age. The first dose is recommended around six weeks of age with at least four weeks between doses. If only two doses are used, another dose later in life is recommended. A booster dose is not required.

Severe side effects are uncommon. About 20 to 25% of people develop pain at the site of injection while about 2% develop a fever. There is no clear association with severe allergic reactions. The Hib vaccine is available by itself, or in various combination with diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis vaccine, polio vaccine, hepatitis B vaccine and meningitis C vaccine. All Hib vaccines that are currently used are conjugate vaccine.

The first Hib vaccine was developed in Finland in the early 1970s and was replaced by conjugate vaccines in the late 1980s. , 193 countries include it in their routine vaccinations. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines. The vaccine in combined form, is inexpensive, costing less than US$2 per dose.