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Bureau of Immunization: Immunizations Across the Lifespan
A.G. Holley State Hospital Epidemiology STD Tuberculosis & Refugee Health

Vaccine Topics

Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine

Important: Updated Recommendations for Use of Haemophilus influenzae Type B Vaccine

June 29, 2009 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released Updated Recommendations for Use of Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine: Reinstatement of the Booster Dose at Ages 12--15 Months, MMWR Recommendations and Reports, June 26, 2009 / 58(24);673-674. This article updates recommendations for the Hib series.

While the production of the Merck Hib vaccine products is still suspended, manufacture of the two remaining products [monovalent Hib vaccine (ActHIB®) and diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis/inactivated polio vaccine (DTaP/IPV)/Hib (Pentacel®)] will increase the availability of Hib-containing vaccine, which will result in the supply being sufficient to reinstate the Hib vaccine booster/4th dose.

Effective immediately, the CDC, in consultation with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), is recommending reinstatement of the booster dose of Hib vaccine for children 12 to 15 months of age who have completed the primary 3-dose series. Infants should continue to receive the primary Hib vaccine series at 2, 4, and 6 months of age. Children 12 to 15 months of age should receive the booster dose on time. Older children for whom the booster dose was deferred should receive their Hib booster dose at the next routinely scheduled visit or medical encounter. 

Please note: While supply is sufficient to reinstate the booster dose and begin a limited catch-up vaccination, supply is not yet sufficient to support a mass recall of all children with deferred Hib booster doses. The Bureau will monitor the vaccine supply as the fourth dose is implemented to assure continuing coverage. 

This Hib Return to Booster Q & A – for Providers will answer many of the questions that may arise when reinstating the booster dose of Hib.


ACIP Recommendations for New Pentacel® and Kinrix™ Combination Vaccines

September 10, 2008 -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has published indications and guidance for use for the new diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed (DTaP), inactivated poliovirus vaccine (IPV), and Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate (Hib) combination vaccine (DTaP-IPV-Hib), Pentacel®, and the new diphtheria and tetanus toxoids and acellular pertussis adsorbed (DTaP) and inactivated poliovirus (IPV) combination vaccine (DTaP-IPV), Kinrix™. (Pentacel®)

-- View Hib Archives --