Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine

Trade Names:ActHIB- Powder for Injection, lyophilized 10 mcg purified capsular polysaccharide, 24 mcg tetanus toxoid/0.5 mL

Trade Names:Comvax- Injection 7.5 mcg Haemophilus b PRP purified capsular polysaccharide, 125 mcg Neisseria meningitidis OMPC, 5 mcg hepatitis B surface antigen, about 225 mcg aluminum, and 35 mcg sodium borate/0.5 mL

Trade Names:PedvaxHIB, Liquid- Injection 7.5 mcg Haemophilus b PRP, 125 mcg Neisseria meningitidis OMPC, and 225 mcg aluminum/0.5 mL

Pharmacology

Induces specific protective antibodies against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Indications and Usage

Induction of active immunity against Hib infection. Routine immunization of all infants beginning at age 2 mo is recommended.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any product component (some products contain thimerosal).

Dosage and Administration

IM Beginning at 2 mo of age, give 3 doses, 2 mo apart, plus a booster dose at 15 to 18 mo.

IM Beginning at 2 mo of age, give 2 doses, 2 mo apart, plus a booster dose at 12 mo.

General Advice

• Administer IM in outer aspect of vastus lateralis, midthigh, or outer aspect of upper arm. Do not inject in gluteal area or near major nerve trunk.
• Do not inject via IV route.
• May be given simultaneously with DTP, MMR, OPV, or IPV.

Storage/Stability

Store vials in refrigerator (36° to 46°F). Do not freeze.

Drug Interactions

None well documented.

Laboratory Test Interactions

Diagnostic value of antigen detection (eg, with latex agglutination kits) may be diminished in suspected Hib disease within few days to 2 wk after immunization.

Adverse Reactions

CNS

Irritability; fever; restless sleep; convulsions.

Dermatologic

Rash; hives.

GI

Diarrhea; vomiting; loss of appetite.

Genitourinary

Renal failure.

Miscellaneous

Guillain-Barré syndrome; local erythema; swelling; tenderness; induration.

Precautions

Pregnancy

Category C .

Lactation

Undetermined.

Children

PedvaxHIB is not recommended in children younger than 6 wk of age.

Anticoagulant therapy

Administer Hib vaccine with caution to patients receiving anticoagulant therapy.

Interchange

In general, complete vaccination series begun with one brand of Hib vaccine with that brand unless specific information about interchangeability is available.

Latex allergy

Stopper for diluent vial for ActHIB contains dry natural latex rubber.

Patient Information

• Advise that acetaminophen (appropriate for age) may be given every 4 h for low-grade fever. Emphasize that aspirin should not be given to children.
• Instruct parent or guardian to report any adverse effects after vaccine administration.
• Remind parent to keep child's immunization record up to date.

Copyright © 2009 Wolters Kluwer Health.