Hiberix Vaccine: Conjugated HiB Vaccine
Hiberix vaccine is a mono-valent vaccine. It is from brand GSK vaccines and widely available in many countries. Mono means one. So it protects from one disease. It is an acellular pertussis based vaccine. It contains Haemophilus influenzae type B polysaccharide conjugated to tetanus toxoid.
Table of Contents
About Hiberix vaccine:
As we discussed above this is a mono-valent vaccine that is it protects from one diseases namely haemophilus influenzae type B
| Active ingredients. | Hiberix vaccine |
| Haemophilus influenzae type B polysaccharide | 10 mcg |
| Conjugated to Tetanus toxoid carrier protein | 25 mcg |
Above are active ingredients of Hiberix Vaccine. It contains Haemophilus influenzae type B polysaccharide 10 mcg that is conjugated to tetanus toxoid carrier protein 25 mcg.
Packing
Vaccine is available as dry powder in a vial and a sterile diluent in another vial or a syringe.
The vaccine should be kept in an outer carton to protect it from light.
At what age Hiberix vaccine is given?
Hiberix vaccine is a monovalent HiB conjugate vaccine.
Your pediatrician will give it to your child at age 2,4 and 6 months.
A booster is needed at 18 months.
Nowadays rather than giving a separate HiB vaccine, combination vaccines are preferred.
In some countries it is given at age 6, 8 and 14 weeks and a booster at 18 months.
How is Hiberix given?
Hiberix vaccine is given by injection.
It is given by an intramuscular route.
First the diluent is mixed with lyophilized powder and gently shaken.
Then the mixture is sucked back in the syringe.
It is injected by the sterile needle and syringe, in small children and infants it is given on an anterolateral aspect of the thigh.
All the safety injection precautions are needed to be followed for injection.
The disposables are discarded according to local bio-medical waste management protocol.
How is the Hiberix vaccine stored?
Hiberix vaccine is stored at 2-8 degree Celsius. The temperature is to be maintained at all stages of transport and storage till it reaches the patient from the production facility. If any time temperature goes below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, the vaccine is frozen accidentally, it should be discarded.
While discarding damage vaccines and expired vaccines local bio-medical waste management are to be followed to protect the environment.
How does the Hiberix vaccine work?
As it is a Killed purified vaccine and contains antigens for H. influenzae type b polysaccharide. Purified antigen is combined or conjugated with the tetanus toxoid protein. Conjugated polysaccharide vaccine is very efficient in generating immunity against HiB type B and also generates memory. When this antigen is injected to the host it is recognized by the immunity and immune response is produced against it. This process also generates memory immunity.
So when real infection occurs it is immediately resisted by the immunity. The disease is prevented. This is an active form of immunization.
Safety of vaccine with other vaccines:
This vaccine is safe and can be given with other vaccines but some studies have shown increased incidences of fever and convulsion when given with prevnar 13 vaccine. Some studies have shown no such correlation.
What are side effects of Hiberix vaccine?
Local swelling and pain, fever are the main side effects of the this vaccine.
These side effects are generally mild and can be managed at home with or without medications.
Fever more than 38 degrees Celsius may be noted and can come till 3-4 days after injection. It is generally reduced with paracetamol.
Local swelling and pain is reduced with oral peracetamol and cold compression at the site of the injection.
Irritability and crying can occur after the injection and generally lasts only for few hours.
Loss of appetite may occur but usually subsides its own in some days.
Restlessness may be seen after vaccination and usually decreases with time in some days.
Gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea and vomiting that can be managed at home are usually mild and decrease on its own.
Some children may show signs of increased drowsiness and sleepiness after vaccination usually comes to normal in 2-3 days.
Other major and potentially life threatening side effects are extremely rare.
Like all other vaccines this vaccine too can cause anaphylaxis reaction so the center at which the vaccine is given should be ready with anaphylaxis management kit and oxygenation.
What are the benefits of the Hiberix vaccine?
As it is a Killed purified vaccine and contains antigens for H. influenzae type b polysaccharide.
Purified antigen is combined or conjugated with the tetanus toxoid protein.
Conjugated polysaccharide vaccine is very efficient in generating immunity against HiB type B and also generates memory.
It can be safe given with other vaccines.
Lesser are the other side effects of the vaccine and also of lesser severity.
To whom Hiberix vaccine should not be given?
Contraindications of this vaccine are very few and very rare to occur.
If someone has shown anaphylaxis after the previous dose of the vaccine this vaccine is contraindicated.
If someone is known to be allergic to any of its components this vaccine should be avoided.
If someone is suffering from neurological disease that is progressive in nature this vaccine should be avoided.
Those who are above 6 years old.
Warnings and caution with Hiberix Vaccine
If Guillain-Barré syndrome has occurred within 6 weeks of receipt of a prior vaccine containing tetanus toxoid, the decision to give this vaccine should be based on potential benefits and risks.
Syncope (fainting) can occur in association with administration of injectable vaccines, including HIBERIX. Procedures should be in place to avoid falling injury and to restore cerebral perfusion following syncope.
Apnea following intramuscular vaccination has been observed in some infants born prematurely. Decisions about when to administer an intramuscular vaccine, including HIBERIX, to infants born prematurely should be based on consideration of the individual infant’s medical status, and the potential benefits and possible risks of vaccination.