What Is the Hib Shot?

Hib disease is a disease that is spread by bacterium that can be very dangerous. It has between a 2 and 5 percent mortality rate and can cause meningitis. Babies are given Hib shots to prevent them from being infected by this disease.

History

• The first Hib vaccine was available in the United States in 1985. Two years later a more effective vaccine was introduced.

Benefits

• All babies should receive a Hib shot soon after birth. Hib is rare in children 5 years or older. As long as a child does not obtain it before age 5, he has little risk of obtaining it afterward.

Misconceptions

• A Hib shot does not protect children from all forms of meningitis, only the kinds of meningitis caused by Hib.

Effects

• Initial side effects of a Hib shot in children may include redness, swelling and a temperature of more than 100 degrees.

Dosage

• Children who begin the vaccine soon after being born will likely get three or four Hib shots before they turn 2 years old.