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Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine description. Haemophilus b conjugate (hem-OFF-fil-us BEE KON-ja-gat) vaccine is an active immunizing agent used to prevent infection by Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria. The vaccine works by causing your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) against the disease. Haemophilus b conjugate vaccine is an haemophilus b vaccine that has been prepared by adding a diphtheria-, meningococcal-, or tetanus-related substance. However, this vaccine does not take the place of the regular diphtheria or tetanus toxoid injections (for example, DTP, DT, or T) that children should receive, the regular tetanus toxoid or diphtheria and tetanus toxoid injections (for example T or Td) that adults should receive, or the meningococcal vaccine injection that some children and adults should receive. Infection by Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) bacteria can cause life-threatening illnesses, such as meningitis, which affects the brain; epiglottitis, which can cause death by suffocation; pericarditis, which affects the heart; pneumonia, which affects the lungs; and septic arthritis, which affects the bones and joints. Hib meningitis causes death in 5 to 10% of children who are infected. Also, approximately 30% of children who survive Hib meningitis are left with some type of serious permanent damage, such as mental retardation, deafness, epilepsy, or partial blindness. Immunization against Hib is recommended for all children 2 months up to 5 years of age (i. e. , up to the 5th birthday). Immunization against Hib may also be recommended for adults and children over 5 years of age with certain medical problems. This vaccine is to be administered only by or under the supervision of your doctor or other authorized health care professional. It is available in the following dosage form: Parenteral Injection (U.S. and Canada) Brand names: - Act-Hib - Haemophilus b Conjugate Vaccine - Hibtiter - Pedvaxhib - Prohibit |