Hib vaccine

What is Hib

Hib (also called haemophilus influenzae type b) bacterial infections can cause serious illness, especially in young children and people with weakened immune systems.  

Hib spreads through droplets from the nose and throat, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some people can carry the bacteria without being sick and spread it to others.

Hib can cause serious illness, including:

• meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord)
• pneumonia (lung infection)
• epiglottitis (inflammation in the throat that can make it hard to breathe)
• septic arthritis (joint infection)
• cellulitis (skin infection).

Before routine vaccination, Hib was a common cause of serious illness in young children.

What is the Hib vaccine

The Hib vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from Hib. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes Hib, without causing the disease itself.  

Hib vaccines are safe and effective at protecting against Hib and its complications. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.

You can find product information and consumer medicine information about Hib vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.

Who can get the Hib vaccine

The vaccine is free under the NIP schedule for:

• babies at 2, 4, 6, and 18 months of age
• children 5 years of age or under with specified medical risk conditions
• children 5 years of age or under (as a catch-up vaccination).

You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one. This includes babies and children.

If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP

Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you or your child. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.

If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.

Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.

How the Hib vaccine is given

Costs

Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines (including free ones). Check before you make an appointment.

Side effects

Most side effects of Hib vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are rare.

Common side effects include:

• mild fever
• pain, redness and swelling at the injection site.

Occasionally, a hard lump may form at the injection site. This may last for weeks, but does not need treatment.

Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.

Checking immunisation history

You can get proof of vaccination for you or your child. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.  

Information for health professionals

If you are a health professional, visit our Vaccination clinical support for health professionals page for more information.

You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook Hib page.

Next steps

Talk to a health professional to confirm if the Hib vaccine is free or recommended for your baby.

Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.

More information

• View our NIP resources.
• Watch our video called What is Hib? to find out why vaccination is so important.  
• Visit our Childhood immunisation site.
• Read the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccines for Australian children fact sheet on the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia website.

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