Haemophilus B Conjugate (HbOC) Vaccine: What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine

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What are the possible side effects of haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine?

Getting haemophilus influenzae disease is much riskier than getting Hib vaccine. However, a vaccine, like any medicine, is capable of causing serious problems, such as severe allergic reactions. The risk of Hib vaccine causing serious harm, or death, is extremely small.

Seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if any of the following rare but serious side effects from Hib vaccine are experienced:

• a serious allergic reaction including swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; hives; paleness; weakness; dizziness; or a fast heart beat within a few minutes to a few hours after the shot;
• high fever; or
• behavior changes.

Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Talk to your doctor if you experience:

• fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit (about up to 1 child in 20); or
• redness, warmth, or swelling where the shot was given (up to about 1 child in 4).

If these problems happen, they usually start within a day of vaccination. They may last 2-3 days.

Your doctor may recommend reducing fever and pain by giving the child an aspirin-free pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, Tempra, others) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, others) when the shot is given and for the next 24 hours. Your healthcare provider can tell you the appropriate dosages of these medications..

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Contact your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

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Last updated:	August 27, 2004