Vaccination against HiB – when to administer, contraindications, safety. One of the most important immunizations for a child

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Vaccination against HiB is one of the compulsory vaccinations in a child between 6 weeks and 5 years of age. It protects the toddler against Heamophilus influenzae type b (hemophilic rod type b). Initially, the HiB vaccine was not on the mandatory vaccination list. Why has this situation changed? How does the vaccine work? We checked the extent to which HiB affects the child’s body.

Haemophilus influenzae – who are they dangerous to?

A commonly known bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (HiB) this is just one type of the hemophilic stick. There are five more types of this bacteria, which are marked with the letters a, c, d, e and f. Despite the fact that it is such a numerous group of pathogens, the preventive vaccination program includes the haemophilic rod type B. This bacterium is responsible for up to 95 percent. infections in young children under the age of five.

Heamophilus influenzae type b sticks are very dangerous, especially for young children and people with impaired immunity. Infants rarely get HiB infections for the first month after birth, thanks to antibodies obtained from the mother’s body. However, in a short time the level of HiB antibodies decreases, which is why a few months old child is exposed to H. influenzae infections. Inflammations of the upper respiratory tract or the meninges caused by it can quickly cause a severe disease, the consequences of which can even be coma, and in critical cases also death.

Adults and older children in most cases have HiB infections asymptomatically. Vaccinating children against HiB has been obligatory in Poland since 2007, but it is also recommended to be performed by unvaccinated persons from risk groups. Infections with this bacterium pose a greater threat to:

1. people with immunodeficiency;
2. infected with HIV;
3. cancer patients;
4. patients with sickle cell anemia.

What diseases does HiB cause?

HiB sticks are found all over the world, causing non-invasive and invasive infections. In the case of invasive infections, bacteria enter the bloodstream or the cerebrospinal fluid. Exactly that invasive HiB infections they cause serious systemic diseases, including meningitis and sepsis. Heamophilus influenzae type b also contributes to the development of serious inflammations, which include:

1. pneumonia;
2. epiglottitis;
3. otitis media;
4. arthritis;
5. inflammation of the airways;
6. inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue;
7. pericarditis;
8. bone marrow inflammation.

HiB infections are characterized by a rapid course and a risk of serious complications, especially in children under two years of age. They may develop epilepsy, hearing impairment, neurological symptoms (including paralysis) and intellectual disorders. There is also a risk of death, for example from swelling of the epiglottis leading to suffocation. You should also remember about serious complications of pneumonia or meningitis.

1. Also check when to get vaccinated against hepatitis B.

HiB vaccine – how high is the risk of an unvaccinated child getting sick?

The risk of an unvaccinated toddler catching the haemophilic bacilli, which is enveloped against human antibodies, is very high. It rises up to 85 percent. compared to vaccinated children. Children up to 2 years of age are most exposed to meningitis and epiglottitis.

How did you get infected with HiB it is very simple. The bacterium is transmitted by droplets – a child can take a teaspoon licked by its carrier or easily become infected in places such as a nursery or kindergarten. The sticks settle in the throat. If they do not attack, the toddler becomes a carrier himself. In healthy carriers of HiB, immunity may be weakened in certain situations, as well as viral infections, which may facilitate the activation of bacterial disease.

1. Also read: Mandatory vaccinations for children – what should be remembered?

HiB vaccine – when is it best to give?

The HiB vaccine is best given after the age of 6 weeks, and just before the beginning of week 8, because then the risk of developing one of the diseases transmitted by type b haemophilic rod increases sharply. year of the toddler’s life.

HiB vaccine – how to administer?

Free HiB vaccine is given in three doses. There should be intervals of 4-8 weeks between them. A toddler gets an additional dose of HiB vaccine around 2 years of age. The number of vaccinations may be reduced if the parents brought the child to the doctor after the appointed date. Vaccination against HiB can be performed separately or together with other combination vaccines (eg Infranix-IPV + HiB).

If the vaccine is administered outside the compulsory program, i.e. available for a fee, please consult the individual schedule of vaccination.

HiB vaccine – contraindications

Vaccination against HiB can in most cases be performed in adults and children. Nevertheless, a qualifying visit to the doctor is necessary before the procedure is performed. He or she will state that vaccination is possible, but may also recommend that the procedure be not carried out in the event of a febrile illness. An allergy to any of the ingredients of the preparation is also a contraindication to vaccination against HiB.

Is HiB vaccination safe?

Vaccination HiB it is both very safe and extremely effective. It protects the child in 95-100 percent. against infection with haemophilic rod type b. The HiB vaccine consists only of purified parts of the bacterial cell that are intended to protect the child’s body. Therefore, there is no risk of developing infection and diseases caused by live HiB sticks.

After the injection of the intramuscular vaccine, it is worth monitoring the injection site. Redness, swelling and soreness may be rare and expected to respond to vaccination. During the first XNUMX hours, you may feel unwell and have a fever. If a combination vaccine is performed, there is also the likelihood of adverse post-vaccination reactions typical of the other ingredients of the preparation.