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What If My Child Missed the Primary Hib Vaccine?

The Hib vaccine protects against invasive Hib disease, caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (despite the name, this is not influenza, or the flu). The vaccine, recommended for all children under 5 years of age, prevents serious infections caused by this bacteria, including meningitis and pneumonia.

  1. Hib Vaccine Series

    • Hib vaccine is given as a primary series with one booster dose. The primary series is given as two or three doses, depending on the type of vaccine used.

    Booster Dose

    • The Hib booster dose refers to the dose generally given at 12 to 15 months of age after a child has already received the doses in the primary series.

    Aging Out

    • Hib vaccine is not recommended for individuals 5 years of age and older. Therefore, even if your child received no Hib vaccine doses before she turned 5, the child should not be "caught up" on this vaccine, unlike some other vaccines that can be given to older children or adults who did not receive them earlier in life.

    Others Recommended for Hib Vaccine

    • People 5 years and older with special health conditions may also be recommended to get the vaccine.

    Incomplete Primary Series

    • If your child missed part or all of the primary Hib series, whether he will need additional doses depends on his current age, when he received any previous Hib doses, and/or whether he is at high risk for Hib disease.

    More Information

    • Ask your child's doctor to determine exactly which Hib vaccine doses she may still need, or consult the Catch-Up Immunization Schedule if you know your child's immunization history.

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