Haemophilus influenzae infection or the so-called Pfeiffer bacillus causes lesions in the respiratory tract, central nervous system and provokes the development of purulent foci in the body. Young children under five years of age are easily infected. Airborne transmission of infection leads to infection of children in children's groups. Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae is aimed at preventing diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae (abbreviated name - Hib infection).
Indications for use
The use of the vaccine is indicated for:
- babies from six months to five years of age;
- people over 55 years of age;
- pupils of preschool educational institutions, orphanages;
- children from large families;
- patients with chronic diseases, HIV;
- patients after removal of the spleen (splenectomy);
- persons suffering from hematological diseases (lymphogranulomatosis, hereditary sickle cell anemia).
It is recommended to vaccinate adults with chronic diseases of the respiratory system, heart and endocrine system.
Vaccination scheme
Children from birth to three months are protected from hemophilus influenzae infection thanks to maternal antibodies (if the mother has encountered this infection in her life), which then disappear. From 1.5 to 3 years of age, when a child encounters this infection, he independently begins to produce antibodies, and by the age of five to six years, most children are completely protected, and hemophilus influenzae infection develops in them much less frequently, mainly in immunodeficiency states. Therefore, the stage when a child is most defenseless against infection, and therefore especially in need of vaccination, is the age from 2-3 months. up to 5 years. In addition, vaccination, regardless of age, is carried out for all patients with immunodeficiency conditions: after a bone marrow transplant, after removal of the spleen, thymus gland, as well as those who have received treatment for cancer, AIDS patients, and patients with chronic bronchopulmonary diseases. The immunization schedule depends on the age at which it is started. In countries where vaccination against hemophilus influenzae is mandatory, it begins to be given from 2-3 months of age, three times, with an interval of 1-2 months, together with DTP vaccines (against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus) and polio. Revaccination (fixing vaccination), like DTP, is carried out once 12 months after the third vaccination. If children receive vaccination from 6 to 12 months of life, it is enough to administer two injections at intervals of 1-2 months with revaccination 12 months after the second vaccination. When starting vaccination, children over 1 year of age and adults suffering from immunodeficiency conditions are vaccinated once. Immunity lasts for a long time. Revaccinations for patients in this age group are carried out only in cases of immunodeficiency. They are vaccinated once every 5 years.
Effectiveness of vaccination
In European countries and America, vaccines have been used to combat hemolytic bacillus for several decades. The experience of developed foreign countries shows that the incidence of this infection has decreased by 86-97%.
In Russia, the vaccine against Hib infection was included in the planned list in 2011. Based on the results of a study of vaccination in children's organizations in Russia, it was found that the number of carriers of the infection decreased from 41% to 3%. Infectious diseases of the respiratory system tended to decrease during the study period. The effectiveness of vaccinations against Hib infection today is 95-100%.
Similar studies are being conducted in other countries. An analysis of immunization in England (from 1991 to 1993) shows an 87% reduction in the incidence of meningitis. In Holland, this disease is not registered after 2 years of vaccination.
Vaccination experience
Experience shows that the ACT-HIB vaccine is well tolerated. Post-vaccination local reactions (usual, normal) in the form of pain, swelling and redness occur in no more than 10% of vaccinated people. Post-vaccination general reactions are rare - in 1-5% of vaccinated people - and manifest themselves in the form of short-term malaise, irritability or drowsiness, as well as a slight increase in body temperature. With repeated and joint vaccinations with DTP, the number and intensity of general and local reactions does not increase. Complications in the form of allergic reactions are extremely rare. Vaccination experience shows that a temporary contraindication to vaccination, as with all other vaccinations, is an acute infectious disease or exacerbation of a chronic disease. In this case, the vaccination is carried out 2-4 weeks after recovery. Immunoglobulin is a drug made from the blood of a person who has been ill or vaccinated against a particular infection and has developed antibodies - protective proteins against the causative agent of infection. A permanent contraindication is a severe allergic reaction to the components of the drug and complications that arose after previous administration.
Types of vaccines
The latest generation drugs are used to vaccinate the population:
- "Act-HIB" - manufacturing country France;
- Hiberix - supplied from Belgium.
Conjugate vaccines contain capsular polysaccharides of Hib infection and tetanus toxoid. The latter is well recognized by the human immune system. The action of this vaccination provides a pronounced primary reaction and immunological memory.
Of the combination drugs used in Russia, Pentaxim and Infanrix Hexa. Both drugs contain vaccinations against:
- tetanus;
- whooping cough;
- polio;
- diphtheria;
- polio;
- Haemophilus influenzae.
However, the Infanrix Hexa vaccine contains an additional vaccine against hepatitis B.
Types of vaccinations
Doctors call three types of vaccinations against this infection:
- Pentaxim . It is effective and is prescribed to children from a very early age.
- Akt-Khib . Vaccination provides immunity to the child, the likelihood of infection is reduced to a minimum.
- Hiberix . Performed on children at different ages. Vaccination provides a high degree of protection against infection.
The type of vaccination is determined only by the doctor. Before vaccination, the specialist carefully examines the patient’s condition. Only after inspection a suitable type .
Recommendations for the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in children can be found on our website.
Venue and method
Vaccination is carried out in municipal medical institutions free of charge for children at risk. Commercial medical clinics offer vaccination services on a contract basis. They have certified vaccines at their disposal. Before immunization, the patient is examined and the necessary laboratory tests are prescribed.
The vaccine package contains a bottle with lyophilisate, a syringe with solvent and instructions for use. According to the description, the drug is a light gray, odorless powder. The syringe is equipped with a thin needle with a dispenser for 1 dose (0.5 ml). Reusing it is not recommended. Immediately before the manipulation, the lyophilized powder is dissolved with the contents of the syringe and the injection is carried out with the same syringe.
The vaccine is administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly. When carrying out manipulation, it is necessary to avoid damage to the blood vessels of the circulatory system. The injection site for small patients under 2 years of age is the upper outer quadrant of the thigh. For older children, the vaccine should be given in the superficial muscle of the shoulder.
The vaccination schedule against Haemophilus influenzae infection is determined by the age of the child. In accordance with the table of the national vaccination schedule, the first vaccine is given at 3 months, the second at 4.5 months and the third at 6 months. At 18 months, revaccination is carried out. If the child is more than six months old before vaccination, 2 vaccinations are prescribed at a monthly interval. Revaccination is carried out at 18 months.
When the child is over a year old, a single dose of the drug is recommended. When vaccinating adults at risk, one vaccine is sufficient.
Vaccine composition
The foreign vaccine ACT - Hib has been registered (approved for use) in Russia. It does not contain the entire microbe, but only its individual components - sections of the cell wall. The drug does not contain a preservative or antibiotics and is a dry substance, which before injection is diluted with a solvent attached to the vaccine and administered intramuscularly (into the thigh for children under 18 months, into the shoulder after 18 months) in a dose of 0.5 ml. Combination with all vaccines (except BCG) and immunoglobulin is possible. It is allowed to dilute the ACT-HIB vaccine with the TETRACOK vaccine (a foreign combined vaccine against whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and polio), rather than with a solvent, and administer it in one syringe, which reduces the number of injections during vaccination.
Side effects
Complications rarely occur after vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae. Therefore, simultaneous vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae with other vaccines is allowed. Co-administration of drugs does not affect the ability to develop immunity.
But the following side effects are possible:
- fever;
- pain and hyperemia at the injection site;
- hypersensitivity to ingredients;
- lack of appetite, anxiety;
- disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract (vomiting, diarrhea);
- hives.
Usually these phenomena disappear within 2-3 days. If a person’s condition worsens after vaccination, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus influenzae infection - Haemophilus influenzae type B, Hib infection, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) - hemophilus influenza - these are synonyms for the same infectious pathogen.
This bacterium affects only humans and is transmitted through airborne droplets (when talking, coughing, sneezing), as well as through shared objects (for example, toys).
Haemophilus influenzae is very difficult to cultivate in laboratory conditions; for this purpose, blood is added to the nutrient medium on which the microorganism is to be grown. Hence the name - hemophilic, that is, “loving blood.”
Haemophilus influenzae bacterium is widespread. In groups (for example, a kindergarten), 40% of children have this microbe “living” on the nasopharyngeal mucosa.
Haemophilus influenzae is the causative agent of various infectious processes: from common acute respiratory infections, bronchitis, otitis, to invasive forms: pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis. A disease caused by Hib is considered invasive when the pathogen is detected in tissues and body fluids that are normally sterile (blood, cerebrospinal fluid, abdominal fluid, lung fluid).
Children of the younger age group are most often affected, with the maximum incidence occurring before the age of 2 years.
Haemophilus influenzae type b has certain features - it is covered with a special capsule that protects it from the action of modern antibiotics. That is why, according to the WHO (World Health Organization): “Even with immediate and proper treatment with antibiotics, the mortality rate in patients with meningitis caused by Hib reaches 20%. Unfortunately, the percentage (30-40%) of neurological complications in this group of patients is also high.”
Children can repeatedly suffer from this infection in different forms.
At the same time, due to the unique structure of the microorganism, anti-infective protection (sufficient level of antibodies) is not formed even after an illness.
Vaccination against hemophilus influenzae protects the child, primarily from invasive forms of the disease (pneumonia, meningitis, etc.).
At the same time, studies have shown that thanks to vaccine prevention, Hib carriage is also significantly reduced, which, in turn, reduces the overall incidence of acute respiratory infections.
The vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae infection consists of elements of the bacterial capsule (capsular polysaccharide). That is, this is not a weakened microbe, and in no way can it develop a disease in the body.
According to the WHO, 2006: The Haemophilus influenzae vaccine does not cause any serious side effects. 25% of vaccinated people experience redness, swelling and pain at the injection site. This type of reaction usually occurs within 1 day after immunization and lasts 1-3 days. Less commonly, children may develop a fever or become agitated for a short period of time.
Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type B is possible either with a separate drug (for example, the drug Hiberix) or with a complex vaccine (for example, Pentaxim, Infanrix hexa).
A separate vaccine preparation creates anti-infective protection only against Haemophilus influenzae type B.
Combination drugs are used to prevent several infectious diseases.
For example, the drug Pentaxim forms immunity to five pathogens (whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hemophilus influenzae type B). Infanrix hexa is a six-component drug (whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B).
The advantage of complex vaccines is that by creating protection against a number of infections at once, the number of injections a child needs to have is reduced, and this reduces discomfort and visits to the doctor.
It has been proven that the introduction of several antigens at once cannot negatively affect the child’s immune system. During the day, a child comes into contact with hundreds, if not thousands, of different microbes and viruses, and the introduction of five or six components will not negatively affect the baby’s immunity. An additional advantage of using complex vaccines is that the overall introduction of ballast substances is reduced.
All drugs are interchangeable, i.e. Having started a course of preventive vaccinations with a vaccine from one manufacturer, you can safely continue immunization with another drug.
Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae is included in the routine vaccination calendar in more than 90 countries in various regions of the world; for example, in the UK, a high level of vaccination coverage against this pathogen has been maintained since 1992.
In our country, it is recommended to start preventive vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae from the age of three months.
Your pediatrician will help you create an individual vaccination plan. The timing, number of administrations and choice of drug depend on what vaccinations the child already has, as well as on the characteristics of the child’s health condition and the region in which he lives.
Reasons why vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae is needed
- Hib is widespread
- Hib causes severe infectious diseases in children, most often under 2 years of age
- Hib is difficult to treat and is resistant to many antibiotics
- Hib – a child can get the infection repeatedly without developing sufficient immunity
- Hib vaccination is easily tolerated
- The introduction of a complex drug from Hib will reduce to a minimum the number of necessary manipulations and visits to the doctor
