Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine for Children: Care Instructions

Overview

The Haemophilus influenzae type b (also called Hib) vaccine protects against bacteria that can cause an infection in the lungs (pneumonia) or in the covering of the brain (meningitis), skin and bone infections, and other serious illnesses in young children.

Children can get a dose of the Hib vaccine at the ages of 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months. Check with your child's doctor about when your child can get the vaccine.

Common side effects after the Hib vaccine include soreness at the shot site and a mild fever. Your child may be fussy or feel tired. Side effects most often occur within 3 days of the shot. They last a short time.

Your child should not get a second dose of the vaccine if the first dose caused a more severe reaction than just mild side effects.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• You may give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) for pain or fussiness, to help lower a fever, or if the area where the shot was given is sore. Do not use ibuprofen if your child is less than 6 months old unless the doctor gave you instructions to use it. Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Do not give a child two or more pain medicines at the same time unless the doctor told you to. Many pain medicines have acetaminophen, which is Tylenol. Too much acetaminophen (Tylenol) can be harmful.
• Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• Put ice or a cold pack on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your child's skin.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child has a seizure.
• Your child has symptoms of a severe allergic reaction. These may include:
  • Sudden raised, red areas (hives) all over the body.
  • Swelling of the throat, mouth, lips, or tongue.
  • Trouble breathing.
  • Passing out (losing consciousness). Or your child may feel very lightheaded or suddenly feel weak, confused, or restless.
  • Severe belly pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as:
  • A rash or hives (raised, red areas on the skin).
  • Itching.
  • Swelling.
  • Mild belly pain or nausea.
• Your child has a high fever.
• Your child cries in a different manner or for an unusual length of time.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if your child has any problems.