Hib Vaccination

Make sure your child gets all shots of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine for protection against Hib disease. Hib vaccines protect young children when they are at highest risk of getting Hib disease and having serious complications.

Vaccines can prevent disease caused by Hib, but not the other types (“strains”) of H. influenzae bacteria. The best way to prevent Hib disease is to get vaccinated.

CDC Recommends Hib Vaccines for All Young Children and Certain Other People

CDC recommends Hib vaccination for all children younger than 5 years old. Children need multiple (3 or 4) shots of a Hib vaccine. CDC recommends shots at the following ages:

2 months
4 months
6 months (if needed; depends on brand)
12 through 15 months

Call your child’s doctor if you have questions and to make sure your child received all recommended doses.

Older children and adults usually do not need a Hib vaccine. However, CDC recommends Hib vaccination for people with certain medical conditions. Talk with your or your child’s doctor if you have questions about Hib vaccines.

All children should get the full series of Hib shots as babies and need one booster shot when they are 12 through 15 months old.

Hib Vaccines Are Safe

Most children who get a Hib vaccine do not have any problems with it. However, side effects can occur. Most are mild, meaning they do not affect daily activities, and get better on their own in a few days. Mild side effects can include fever or redness, warmth, or swelling where the doctor gave the shot. See the Hib vaccine information statement to learn more.