Vaccine Hib can protect the body from bacterial infections Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib). Hib bacteria are dangerous bacteria because they can cause severe infections, such as inflammation of the brain (meningitis), lung infections, and sepsis, especially in children..
Bacteria Haemophilus influenzae Type B is a bacterium that can cause infections in the face, mouth, joints, heart, bones, abdominal cavity, and throat. Hib infection can be transmitted through the splash of saliva that comes out when someone with Hib sneezes or coughs.
Since several years ago, the administration of the Hib vaccine has been included in the government's mandatory immunization program. This vaccine was combined with several other types of vaccines, such as the diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and hepatitis B vaccines, which became known as the DPT-HB-Hib vaccine.
Benefits of H . Vaccineib
Children are susceptible to Hib infection because their immune systems are still weak and not fully developed.
However, Hib germs can still infect adults, especially people who have weak immune systems, for example due to HIV infection, chemotherapy, blood disorders, or side effects of drugs that suppress the immune system.
The purpose of giving the Hib vaccine is to prevent the occurrence of severe infectious diseases caused by Hib bacteria, such as:
- Meningitis
- Pneumonia
- Epiglottitis
- Blood infection or sepsis
- Inflammation of the lining of the heart or pericarditis.
In fact, the Hib vaccine can also prevent the risk of death in toddlers from infections caused by Hib bacteria. Therefore, it is important for anyone, especially children and adults with weak immune systems, to get the Hib vaccine.
Hib Vaccine Administration Schedule
Hib vaccine should be given to children when they are 2, 3, and 4 months old. Then the re-administration of the Hib vaccine needs to be repeated when the child has entered the age of 18 months. While in adults, Hib vaccine can be given at any age with a dose of 1-3 times.
Hib vaccine administration can be delayed for several weeks if the child or adult who wants to get the vaccine is sick or has a fever. Hib vaccine can not be given at all to people who have a history of severe allergy (anaphylaxis) to the Hib vaccine.
Hib Vaccine Side Effects
Although rare, the Hib vaccine still has the potential to cause a number of side effects, such as redness, swelling, and pain in the injected body part. Sometimes, this vaccine can also cause a fever.
These side effects usually subside 2–3 days after administration of the vaccine. However, you are advised to go to the doctor immediately if the side effects of the HiB vaccine do not go away or an allergic reaction occurs, such as itching, shortness of breath, and weakness, after administering the Hib vaccine.
Basically, the Hib vaccine aims to prevent various dangerous diseases that can occur due to Hib bacterial infection. Therefore, it is important for you and your family to receive this vaccine according to the schedule recommended by the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia.
However, if your child or you have never received the Hib vaccine, you should immediately consult a doctor. Always remember that it is never too late to prevent disease, including by getting the Hib vaccine.