IMMUNIZATION – YOUR BEST PROTECTION

Vaccines are the best way to protect against some very serious diseases.  Protect against Hib with this safe and effective vaccine. 

In Ontario, the Hib vaccine is publicly funded for:

• infants and children in combination with tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and polio vaccine:  2, 4, 6 and 18 months
• adults and children over 5 years of age at risk of developing Hib infection due to pre-existing medical conditions

What is Hib?

• An illness caused by a bacteria
• Complications include bacterial meningitis and  infections of the blood, lungs, joints, bones and skin
• Despite the name, influenza is not a complication of Hib disease

How is Hib spread?

Spreads to others through coughing and sneezing.  Many people carry the Hib bacteria without any signs or symptoms of disease, but they can pass it on to others.

How safe is the Hib vaccine?

Vaccines are among the safest of modern medicine. The only individuals who should NOT receive the Hib vaccine are those who:

• are ill with a fever or infection
• have had an allergic reaction (called anaphylaxis) to a past dose of this vaccine or any of its components, including tetanus protein
• are under 2 months of age

What are the side effects that I should watch for after vaccination?

Serious side effects from the vaccine are very rare (1:1,000,000).  Most people have no problems following vaccination.  Possible side effects include:

• redness and soreness where the needle was given
• fever
• febrile seizures as a result of a prior fever, not of the vaccine
• allergic reactions (ie. hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing) occur very rarely.  If these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Call your doctor if you develop any symptoms that are severe or last more than a few days.  Please note that serious side effects are very unlikely to occur and the benefits of the vaccine are much greater than the risks.

If you choose to receive this vaccine today, it is required that you wait two days before donating blood. 

For more information on this vaccine, contact one of the numbers below and ask to speak to a nurse in the Vaccine Preventable Diseases Program.