Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) Vaccine
Protect yourself against Haemophilus influenza type B by getting vaccinated at your local Blooms The Chemist.
Haemophilus influenza type B
(Hib) Vaccine
Protect yourself against Haemophilus influenza type B by getting vaccinated at your local Blooms The Chemist.
Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) Vaccine
Protect yourself against Haemophilus influenza type B by getting vaccinated at your local Blooms The Chemist.
Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) is a life-threatening infection that can lead to serious illness in children.
It can cause conditions such as meningitis, epiglottis (the inflammation of the top of the windpipe) and pneumonia and needs urgent medical attention.
Here are three things you need to know about Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib).
Hib is spread through coughing and sneezing droplets spread from an infected person1.
Despite its name, Hib is a form of bacteria and NOT a form of influenza1.
Babies and children under five years of age should be vaccinated against Hib1.
Stay protected against Hib with a vaccination at your local Blooms The Chemist*.
*Minimum age restrictions apply. Speak to your Pharmacist about the minimum age for child vaccinations. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian (parent or guardian must bring photo ID as proof of guardianship).
References
1Better Health Victoria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) FAQS
What is Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)?
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a contagious bacteria that can turn into a serious infection quickly1.
Hib can attack the membranes around the brain, your epiglottis at the back of your throat, your lungs, bones, joints or tissues under the skin and can cause pneumonia.
Hib infections are now rare due to immunisation, but before the vaccination was introduced, Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in young children.
1Healthdirect, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
What are the symptoms of Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)?
As meningitis and epiglottitis can develop quickly and can be fatal if not treated, it’s vital to visit your closest hospital department immediately or call triple zero (000) if you think your child has one of these conditions.
Symptoms of Hib appear two to four days after catching the bacteria and depend on what part of the body is affected. Some symptoms include1:
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Meningitis (infection of the membranes around your brain and spinal cord): Fever, headache, nausea and sensitivity to light
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Epiglottitis (swelling of the epiglottis at the back of the throat): Breathing difficulties, swallowing difficulties, fever and paleness
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Pneumonia (infection of the lungs): Shortness of breath, headaches, chest pain and coughing
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Cellulitis (infection of the tissue under the skin): A red hot swollen area of the skin
Osteomyelitis (infection of the bones): Swelling and inflammation over the bone
1Healthdirect, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
How is Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) spread?
Hib is mainly spread through coughing, sneezing or coming into contact with secretions from the nose and throat of an infected person1.
1Better Health Victoria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
How do I get diagnosed with Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)?
You can be diagnosed with Hib after visiting your doctor, where your doctor may do the following1:
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A physical examination
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A blood test
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A test of fluid around the spine
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Tests of other specimens
An emergency diagnosis can be made based on the rapid onset of symptoms in a child who was previously well.
1Better Health Victoria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
How is Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) treated?
Treatment for Hib depends on the type of infection1. You may need to take antibiotics for 10 days. You may need medicine that can help with your fever and pain as well as extra fluids to maintain hydration.
In some situations, your child may need to be cared for by going to hospital.
1Better Health Victoria, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
How can I prevent getting Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)?
The best protection against Hib is getting vaccinated1.
However, if you come into close contact with someone who has Hib, you may need to take antibiotics to prevent you from being infected.
1Healthdirect, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) Vaccine FAQS
What is the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine?
The Hib vaccine is your best protection against getting Haemophilus influenzae type B1. Four doses are required of this vaccine to be effective.
1Healthdirect, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
What are some common side effects of the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine?
Some common side effects of the vaccine include1:
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Pain, redness and swelling at the injection side
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Fever
However, these side effects are usually temporary. If they persist, please reach out to your doctor.
1Healthdirect, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), accessed 9 February 2023
Is it recommended that I get the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine?
The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends the Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine for the following people1:
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Routine vaccination in children and infants at two, four, six and 18 months of age
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Infants and children under the age of five who have missed a dose of Hib vaccine
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People who are immunocompromised, including people who have received a stem cell transplant and functional or anatomic asplenia
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine, accessed 9 February 2023
Is the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine free for me?
The Hib vaccine is covered under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), which means it is free for the following people1:
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Children aged two, four, six and 19 months of age
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People of all ages with asplenia and hyposplenia
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Eligible people under 20 years old and refugees and other humanitarian entrants who did not receive the Hib vaccine in childhood
If you are eligible for a vaccination under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), you may need to confirm with your selected Blooms The Chemist pharmacy about their NIP vaccine stock availability. Please note that there may be a service fee associated with a NIP vaccination.
You can check if you're eligible for the free vaccine here.
1Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine, accessed 9 February 2023