When you take your little one to the clinic, there are many types of vaccines written in the vaccination diary (CHDR book), right? One of the most important vaccines is the Hib vaccine. You may not have heard this name directly, because it is usually given together with other vaccines (like the Pentavalent vaccine). But this Hib part can protect your baby from several very dangerous diseases. So let's talk about this in a little more detail today.
What exactly is this Hib vaccine?
Simply put, this is a vaccine that protects the baby from serious infections caused by the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b .
Now, you might think that when you say "influenza," this is a vaccine for the flu. But that's not the case. Despite the name "influenza," this is a completely different, dangerous bacteria that has nothing to do with the flu-causing influenza virus that we usually talk about.
If the Hib bacteria enters the body of young children, it can cause very serious conditions. For example:
- Bacterial Meningitis: This is a very dangerous condition in which the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. This can cause permanent brain damage, deafness, or even death for the child.
- Pneumonia: A severe infection of the lungs.
- Epiglottitis: A sudden, life-threatening condition in which part of the throat swells, potentially blocking the airway.
- Severe infections of the joints, skin, and blood.
So what this vaccine does, like showing our army a photo to identify an enemy, is "introduce" this Hib bacteria to your baby's immune system. Then, if that bacteria actually enters the body one day, the baby's immune system will successfully fight it off and prevent the disease from developing.
Things to tell your doctor before getting vaccinated
To ensure your baby's maximum safety, it is essential to share certain health information with your doctor before giving them the vaccine. Don't ignore these things, thinking they are minor.
Your baby's safety is the most important thing. So don't hide anything like this from the doctor. It's very important to tell him, even if it's a small thing.
See the table below. If your baby or anyone in your family has this condition, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Severe allergies to vaccines, medications, or foods | To assess the risk of the baby having an allergy to something in the vaccine. |
| Immune system problems | The effectiveness of the vaccine may be reduced in people with weakened immune systems, and some types of vaccines may not be appropriate. |
| Neurological conditions such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome . | Since such conditions have been reported very rarely after some vaccines, it is important to know the previous history. |
| Bleeding disorders or use of blood thinners (e.g. warfarin). | Because the vaccine is injected into a muscle, there is a higher risk of bleeding or bruising at the injection site. |
| The baby has a fever or other infection on the day of vaccination . | Generally, vaccination is postponed in cases of moderate or severe illness. A minor cold is not a problem. |
Vaccination and precautions
How is the vaccine given?
This is an intramuscular injection . It is usually given into the thigh muscle for young babies and into the upper arm for older children. It is given by a qualified health professional, such as a doctor or nurse. Your child's clinic record (CHDR) will record the injection.
What if I miss a vaccination?
To get the full protection from this vaccine, it is very important to get all the booster doses as scheduled. If you miss a clinic date, do not panic and inform your family doctor or local MOH office as soon as possible and arrange a new appointment.
Are there any other medications that may interact with this vaccine?
Yes. Some medications can affect the effectiveness of this vaccine. In particular,
- Cancer treatment (Chemotherapy)
- Immunosuppressants - e.g. `(adalimumab)`, `(infliximab)`
- Long-term use of high doses of steroids
- Medicines that prevent blood clotting - e.g. `(warfarin)`, `(enoxaparin)`
If you are taking any of these medications, tell your doctor about it. Also, inform your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, Ayurvedic or Sinhala medicines you are giving your baby.
Possible side effects after vaccination
As with any vaccine, there are some minor side effects that can occur after the Hib vaccine. Most of these are not serious. But as a parent, it's important to be aware of these.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| 🚨 Situations where you should see a doctor or go to the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| High fever | Fever greater than 102-103 Fahrenheit (39 Celsius). |
| Seizures | A fit, a convulsion . |
| Different behaviors | Constant crying, excessive sleepiness, inability to feed. |
| 🙂 Usually there is nothing to worry about, but if it persists, you should tell your doctor. | |
| The injection site | Redness, swelling, and pain. |
| Slight fever | A slight fever, around 100-101 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius). |
| Other | Loss of appetite, mild drowsiness, vomiting or diarrhea. |
What to do in an emergency?
There is no such thing as an overdose from a vaccine. However, in the rare event of a severe allergic reaction, it is essential to go to a hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately. If you suspect poisoning from another drug, you can call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Take-Home Message
- The Hib vaccine is not just for the common cold or flu, but is a very important vaccine that protects your child from serious bacterial infections like meningitis and pneumonia.
- Before vaccination, it is imperative to tell your doctor about all of your child's health information, especially allergies, immune problems, and other medications being taken.
- Mild pain, redness, and a slight fever at the injection site are normal and will subside in a day or two.
- If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or wheezing, seek medical attention immediately.
- Make sure to give all vaccine doses according to the scheduled schedule to ensure your child receives full protection.
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