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# Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine

Conjugate vaccine: Hib capsular polysaccharide linked to a protein. It nearly eliminated Hib meningitis and epiglottitis in young children.

Updated 2026-11-01

- Class: [Bacterial and antimalarial vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/bacterial-and-antimalarial-vaccines/)
- Target: Immune response against the Hib capsule (polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate, PRP)
- ATC code: J07AG01
- WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

Also called: Hib conjugate vaccine, Conjugated PRP, Component of pentavalent and hexavalent vaccines

## Mechanism of action

The Hib capsule is polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate (PRP). As a plain polysaccharide it gives a T-independent response, poor under two years of age. Linked to a carrier protein (tetanus toxoid, CRM197 or another), it becomes T-dependent: infants form opsonising antibodies and memory, and each dose boosts the response.

- Capsular PRP is linked to a carrier protein
- T cells help B cells make anti-PRP antibodies
- Antibodies opsonise the bacterium and activate complement
- Memory forms and nasopharyngeal carriage falls

## Pharmacokinetics

**Onset and duration**
Protection is reached with the infant series; repeat doses boost the response

## Indications

- Prevention of invasive Hib disease (meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia, bacteraemia) in infants and young children [Bacterial meningitis →](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/bacterial-meningitis/)

## Adverse effects

### Common

- Local pain, redness or swelling
- Fever and irritability

### Serious (rare, important)

- Anaphylaxis (very rare)

## Contraindications

- Age under six weeks (risk of immunological tolerance)
- Previous anaphylaxis to a dose or component

## Key interactions

**Combination vaccines (DTP, hepatitis B, polio)**
Given within pentavalent or hexavalent vaccines; the carrier protein does not replace tetanus or diphtheria vaccination

## What is monitored

- Minimum age at the start of the series
- Local reaction and fever after the dose

## Administration and safety

- Intramuscular route
- Usually given in combination vaccines: check which antigens the product contains to avoid duplicate doses
- Respect the minimum starting age

## Nursing care

- Check age and vaccination card before giving
- Watch for fever and local reaction
- Explain to carers why the series must be completed

## Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Not part of routine vaccination in pregnancy; it is used in infants and in risk groups.

## Memory aid

Hib = "sugar with an escort": the capsule sugar alone doesn't wake the infant's immune system; with its protein escort, it does.

## Test yourself

Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.

## What antigen does Hib vaccine contain?

The capsular polysaccharide polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate (PRP), linked to a carrier protein.

## Why is Hib vaccine not given before six weeks of age?

Because it may induce immunological tolerance and reduce the response to later doses.

## Which serious airway complication of Hib became rare with vaccination?

Epiglottitis, which can obstruct the airway and threaten life.

[Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/pharmacology/haemophilus-influenzae-type-b-vaccine/)

## Related drugs

- [Pneumococcal vaccine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/pneumococcal-vaccine/)
- [Meningococcal vaccine](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/meningococcal-vaccine/)

## Related conditions

- [Bacterial meningitis](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/bacterial-meningitis/)

[← Back to the class: Bacterial and antimalarial vaccines](https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/classes/bacterial-and-antimalarial-vaccines/)

Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.

Sources: [Chapter 8: Haemophilus influenzae | Pink Book | CDC](https://www.cdc.gov/pinkbook/hcp/table-of-contents/chapter-8-haemophilus-influenzae.html) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021); [Meningitis](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis) (World Health Organization, 2026); [ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index](https://atcddd.fhi.no/atc_ddd_index/?code=J07AG01) (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); [eEML - Electronic Essential Medicines List](https://list.essentialmeds.org/) (World Health Organization, 2025).

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Representative model, for educational purposes only.

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License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/pharmacology/haemophilus-influenzae-type-b-vaccine/