Alberta Health Services
Health Information
Haemophilus influenzae type b
Children under age 5 years who have been immunized for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, and polio and only need the Hib vaccine can get this vaccine.
Older children and adults may also get this vaccine if they have a high risk of severe Hib disease because of health problems. These may include those with no spleen, a weak immune system, or those who have a cochlear implant.
You may not be able to get this vaccine if:
If you have allergies or have had a side effect from this vaccine in the past, check with your doctor or a public health nurse before you get the vaccine.
Although you can get the vaccine if you have a mild illness, such as a cold or fever, you should stay home until you are feeling better to prevent spreading your illness to others.
The number of doses you need depends on your age and why you’re having the vaccine.
You usually get 3 doses (the primary series) of the Hib vaccine as a baby in a combined vaccine that protects against other diseases. This is followed by an extra (booster) dose at age 18 months.
If you have certain health problems, you may need more doses after age 5 years.
DTaP-IPV-Hib-HB protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B. As part of the routine immunization schedule, babies get this vaccine starting at age 2 months.
DTaP-IPV-Hib protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). As part of the routine immunization schedule, this vaccine is given to children born before March 1, 2018, who are under age 7 years, as part of their primary series and to all children at age 18 months as a booster dose.
You can get the vaccine at your local public health or community health centre.
After the primary series and a booster dose, protection is over 95%. It may be less if your immune system is weak.
Vaccine safety is a top priority. Canada uses extremely safe vaccines. Learn more about vaccine safety in Canada, including how vaccines are monitored for continued safety, and ingredients in vaccines.
There can be side effects from the Hib vaccine, but they tend to be mild and go away in a few days. Side effects may include:
At least 1 out of 100 people who got this vaccine reported 1 or more of these side effects. In some cases, it is unknown if the vaccine cause these side effects.
It’s important to stay at the clinic for 15 minutes after your vaccine. Some people may have a rare but serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. If anaphylaxis happens, you will get medicine to treat the symptoms.
It’s rare to have a serious side effect. Call Health Link at 811 to report any serious or unusual side effects.
There can be mild, short-term side effects after getting a vaccine. Find tips to manage these side effects at home.
