Administering Hib Vaccines

This page provides a brief summary of guidance for administering Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines, including route, number of doses, and co-administration with other vaccines.

 

Visual Inspection

Do not use any Hib vaccine or diluent (if applicable) beyond the expiration date printed on the label.

Prior to administration, visually inspect the vaccine for particulate matter and/or discoloration. If these conditions exist, do NOT use.

 

Route, Site, and Needle Size

All Hib-containing vaccines should be administered by the intramuscular route. The preferred injection site in infants and young children is the vastus lateralis muscle of the thigh. The preferred injection site in older children and adults is the deltoid muscle in the upper arm. Use a needle length appropriate for the age and size of the person receiving the vaccine.

 

Number and Timing of Doses

All infants, including preterm infants, should receive a primary series of Hib vaccine beginning at 2 months of age. Do not administer Hib vaccine to infants younger than 6 weeks of age because this may induce immunologic tolerance to further doses of Hib vaccine. The total number of doses depends on the brand of Hib vaccine used:

• If ActHIB®, Hiberix®, or Pentacel® is used, give 3 doses: 1 dose at 2 months of age, 1 dose at 4 months of age, and 1 dose at 6 months of age.
• If PedvaxHIB® is used, give 2 doses: 1 dose at 2 months of age and 1 dose at 4 months of age.

A booster dose is recommended at 12 through 15 months of age for all infants. All of the currently licensed Hib vaccines may be used for the booster dose.

 

Predrawing Vaccine Doses

Predrawing vaccine doses is not recommended because there are no data on the stability of vaccines stored in syringes filled by healthcare professionals. Vaccine vials should not be opened until time of administration.

After reconstitution administer:

• ActHIB® within 24 hours or discard.
• Hiberix® within 24 hours or discard.
• Pentacel® immediately (within 30 minutes) or discard.

 

Administration with Other Vaccines

A Hib vaccine can be administered at the same time as other routine childhood vaccinations, but at a different injection site, if feasible. Each vaccine should be administered with a separate syringe. No clinically significant immune interference has been observed with any of the available monovalent or combination Hib vaccines and administration of other routine childhood vaccines during the same visit.

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