HAEMOPHILUSB POLYSACCHARIDE VACCINE (Systemic)*?
Commonly used names are:
- Haemophilus influenzae type b polysaccharide vaccine
- HbPV
- Hib CPS
- Hib polysaccharide vaccine
- PRP
*? Not commercially available in the U.S. and Canada.
Category
Description
Haemophilus b polysaccharide (hem-OFF-fil-us BEE pol-i-SAK-ka-ryd) vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to preventinfection by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies)against the disease.
The following information applies only to the Haemophilus b polysaccharidevaccine.
Infection by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningitis, which affectsthe brain; epiglottitis, which can cause death by suffocation; pericarditis,which affects the heart; pneumonia, which affects the lungs; and septic arthritis,which affects the bones and joints. Hib meningitis causes death in 5 to 10%of children who are infected. Also, approximately 30% of children who surviveHib meningitis are left with some type of serious permanent damage, such asmental retardation, deafness, epilepsy, or partial blindness.
Immunization against Hib is recommended for all children 24 months up to5 years of age (i.e., up to the 5th birthday). In addition, immunization isrecommended for children 18 to 24 months of age, especially:
- Children attending day-care facilities.
- Children with chronic illnesses associated with increased risk ofHib disease. These illnesses include asplenia, sickle cell disease, antibodydeficiency syndromes, immunosuppression, and Hodgkin's disease.
- Children 18 to 24 months of age who have already had Hib disease.These children may get the disease again if they are not immunized. Childrenwho developed Hib disease when 24 months of age or older do not need to beimmunized, since most children in this age group will develop antibodies againstthe disease.
- Children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquiredimmunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
- Children of certain racial groups, such as American Indian and AlaskanEskimo. Children in these groups seem to be at increased risk of Hib disease.
- Children living close together with groups of other persons. Closeliving conditions increase a child's risk of being exposed to persons whohave Hib infection or who carry the bacteria.
It is recommended that children immunized when they were 18 to 24 monthsof age receive a second dose of vaccine, since these children may not produceenough antibodies to fully protect them from Hib disease. Children who werefirst immunized when they were 24 months of age or older do not need to bereimmunized.
This vaccine is available only from your doctor or other authorized healthcare professional, in the following dosage form:
Before Receiving This Vaccine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must beweighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctorwill make. For haemophilus b polysaccharide vaccine, the following shouldbe considered:
Allergies?Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual orallergic reaction to haemophilus b polysaccharide vaccine or haemophilus bconjugate vaccine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergicto any other substances, such as preservatives.
Children?This vaccine is not recommended for children lessthan 18 months of age.
Other medicines?Although certain medicines should not be usedtogether at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used togethereven if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want tochange the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health careprofessional if you are using any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter[OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems?The presence of other medicalproblems may affect the use of haemophilus b polysaccharide vaccine. Makesure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Fever or
- Serious illness?The symptoms of the condition may be confusedwith the possible side effects of the vaccine
Proper Use of This Vaccine
Dosing?The dose of haemophilus b polysaccharide vaccinewill be different for different patients. The following information includesonly the average doses of haemophilus b polysaccharide vaccine.
- For injection dosage form:
- For prevention of Haemophilus influenzae typeb infection:
- Adults and children 5 years of age and older?Use is not recommended.
- Children up to 18 months of age?Use is not recommended.
- Children 18 to 24 months of age?Use and dose must be determinedby your doctor.
- Children 24 months to 5 years of age?One dose injected underthe skin or into a muscle.
Side Effects of This Vaccine
Along with its needed effects, a vaccine maycause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur,if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Symptoms of allergic reaction
Difficulty in breathing or swallowing; hives; itching (especially of feet or hands); reddening of skin (especially around ears); swelling of eyes, face, or inside of nose; unusualtiredness or weakness (sudden and severe)
Other side effects may occurthat usually do not need medical attention. However, check with your doctorif any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
Other side effectsnot listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any othereffects, check with your doctor.
Revised: 03/29/1994
