Types of Hib Vaccines

Key points

  • There are 5 vaccines available in the United States to protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease.
  • Some Hib vaccines are combined with other vaccines that protect against other diseases.
  • Hib vaccines work well.
  • Talk to a vaccine provider if you have questions about Hib vaccines.

Available vaccines

The Food and Drug Administration has licensed 5 Hib vaccines for use in the United States. Three of the vaccines protect against Hib disease only, while 2 vaccines include protection against other diseases.

Children younger than 5 years old get multiple Hib shots; the number depends on the brand given.

Hib-only vaccines

All Hib-only vaccines are given to children between the ages of 2 months through 15 months. Vaccine providers can give the first Hib shot as early as 6 weeks, if needed.

Vaccine providers can give any Hib-only vaccines to older children and adults who need Hib vaccination.

Combination vaccines‎

Combination vaccines take two or more vaccines that could be given individually and put them into one shot. Thus, children can receive protection against more infections with fewer injections.

Combination Vaccines

For both of the following vaccines, vaccine providers can give the first Hib shot as early as 6 weeks, if needed.

Pentacel®: 4 shots for children who are 2 months through 18 months old to protect against

  • Hib disease
  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Polio

Vaxelis™: 3 shots for children who are 6 weeks through less than 1 year old to protect against

  • Hib disease
  • Diphtheria
  • Tetanus
  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Polio
  • Hepatitis B

How well they work

Vaccines that help protect against Hib disease work well but cannot prevent all cases. Studies show Hib vaccination protects nearly all (between 93 and 100 in 100) children from Hib disease.

Protection decreases over time. Children need a Hib shot between 12 and 15 months old to maintain high levels of protection during early childhood.

Hib numbers in the past

Hib disease was once a leading cause of bacterial meningitis among U.S. children younger than 5 years old. Every year about 20,000 young children got serious Hib disease and about 1,000 died. More than half of the children who developed serious Hib disease were younger than one year old.

Hib numbers today

Today, fewer than 50 cases of Hib disease occur each year in young children in the United States. Most of these cases are in children who didn't get any or all of the recommended Hib shots.

Resources

Vaccine schedules

Parent-friendly schedule for children (birth through 6 years)

Easy-to-read schedule for adults (19 years and older)

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Content Source:
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases; Division of Bacterial Diseases