Hib-MenC Vaccine
Hib-MenC Vaccine
All you need to know
about Hib-MenC Vaccine
A single injection of the Hib-MenC vaccination is given to 1-year-old babies to improve their protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis C.
Infections with Hib and Meningitis C are dangerous and can be fatal. They both have the potential to induce meningitis and blood poisoning (sepsis).
Who should have the Hib-MenC vaccine
As part of the NHS immunisation schedule, all babies under the age of one are given the Hib-MenC vaccine.
Vaccination:
- Boosts the protection your baby has already gained from their 1st course of Hib vaccine, which they received in the 6-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks old.
- begins their protection against meningitis C.
Safety of the Hib-MenC vaccine
The Hib-MenC vaccine is quite safe to use.
It’s inactivated, which means it doesn’t contain any living organisms, so your kid won’t get infected with the infections it protects against.
There are also a few negative effects of immunisation, these can be seen in the side effects section.
How the Hib-MenC vaccine works
The Hib-MenC vaccination comprises fragments of the bacteria that cause the diseases it prevents.
If your kid is exposed to certain bacteria, the antibodies produced by their bodies as a result of vaccination will fight the infection and prevent it from spreading.
Effectiveness of the Hib-MenC vaccine
The Hib-MenC booster is extremely successful in protecting children against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and meningitis C during the time when they are most vulnerable.
As a result of vaccination, the rates of Hib and MenC infection in the United Kingdom have dropped to their lowest levels ever.
Hib-MenC vaccine side effects
As with all immunizations, a few babies may experience side effects after receiving the Hib-MenC vaccine, although these are usually minor and short-lived.
The vast majority of babies will have no issues whatsoever.
Very common reactions to the Hib-MenC vaccine
These side effects are prevalent, however, they are usually minor and only last a short time.
More than one child in ten who has received the Hib/MenC immunisation has:
- At the injection site, you may experience pain, redness, or swelling.
- A very hot temperature
- Irritability
- A decrease in appetite
- Sleepiness
Less common reactions to the Hib-MenC vaccine
The following are some of the less common adverse effects, which are usually minor and short-lived:
- Crying
- Diarrhoea
- Being unwell
- Feeling ill in general
Rare reactions to the Hib-MenC vaccine
The hib/MenC vaccine can cause a skin rash in some people. If this occurs, get medical attention right immediately.
The Hib/MenC vaccine can cause severe allergic responses (anaphylaxis), however they are extremely rare.
If the infant has a serious adverse reaction, it will happen within minutes of receiving the vaccine, and you will most likely still be at the clinic.
Staff who provide immunizations have been taught to recognise and respond to serious allergic reactions. Treatment allows babies to fully recover.
Talk to your GP, nurse, or health visitor if you’re worried about how your infant reacted to a previous dose of the Hib-containing 6-in-1 vaccine (given at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age).
What to do if your child becomes ill after receiving the Hib-MenC vaccine
Common side effects
Maintain a cold environment for your kid if he or she develops a high temperature. Make sure they don’t have too many layers or blankets on and provide them with cool liquids.
You can also give them baby paracetamol or ibuprofen liquid dose according to the bottle’s directions.
Trust your instincts if you’re still anxious about your baby’s reaction to the Hib-MenC vaccine.
Speak with your doctor or dial NHS 111 for assistance.
Serious side effects
If your child experiences a seizure or has any other significant medical problem after returning home from the immunisation, dial 999 for an ambulance right away.
Seizures, in particular, might appear to be very frightening, but most newborns recover quickly.
Monitoring the safety of the Hib-MenC vaccine
Vaccine safety is routinely checked in the United Kingdom through the Yellow Card Scheme.
Rashes, fever, vomiting, or redness and swelling where the injection was given have been the most common reactions recorded through the Yellow Card Scheme.
Hib-MenC vaccine FAQs
Who should have Hib-MenC vaccination?
At the age of one year, all babies are given the Hib-MenC vaccine.
How will I know when to take my baby for their Hib-MenC vaccination?
Your GP surgery or local child health centre should set up an appointment for you automatically.
Contact them to schedule an appointment if you have not received one or if you have any concerns.
What should I do if my baby had a bad reaction after a previous dose of Hib?
If your baby had a documented serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction) to a previous dose of the Hib-containing vaccine, the 6-in-1 vaccine, administered at 8, 12, and 16 weeks of age, the Hib/MenC vaccine is not recommended.
If your child has other side effects after receiving a previous dose of Hib vaccine, they can still take more doses because the benefits of disease protection significantly outweigh the discomfort of side effects.
Can my child cope with being given so many vaccines when they’re so young?
Yes. The immunisations given to babies during their first year of life are insignificant in comparison to the tens of thousands of germs and viruses that they are exposed to on a daily basis.
Is it possible for my child to get the Hib-MenC, MMR, MenB, and pneumonia vaccines at the same time?
Yes, giving these four immunizations simultaneously at one year of age is safe and recommended.
Each injection should ideally be administered in a separate section of your baby’s body, such as each arm and leg.
Is there a reason a baby shouldn’t get the Hib-MenC vaccine?
There are only a few circumstances in which babies cannot be immunised.
However, babies who have had a documented serious allergic reaction (anaphylactic reaction) to a previous dose of the Hib vaccination, or to any component of the vaccine, should not get the Hib-MenC vaccine.
Can adults and older children get the Hib-MenC vaccine?
The Hib-MenC vaccine is not licensed for older children and adults.
What is Hib?
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) is an infection that can cause pneumonia, meningitis, and blood poisoning, among other serious disorders.
What is a meningococcal illness, and how does it affect you?
Meningococcal illness is a bacterial infection that usually affects the protective membranes that surround the brain (producing meningitis) or the blood (causing meningitis) (causing blood poisoning).
This vaccine’s MenC component solely protects you from meningococcal meningitis, not any other type of meningitis.