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Is there a HIB booster at 3.4-4yo anymore?

14 replies

99redballoons · 03/01/2006 22:41

Hi all, there doesn't seem to be a HIB booster anymore or am I missing something? The NHS website says the only jab given between 3.4-4yo is the new DTaP-IPV (Repevax) which leaves out the HIB that's in the 2-4mo vaccinations.

My ds only had DTaP (Infanrix) and IPV (sep vax) when he was younger, no HIB or MenC. He is now 2.5 and I was going to consider giving him the Hib booster, but can't find it mentioned anywhere. The NHS website says 3mo-4yo's are the age group most at risk from HIB. I am about to get dd vaccinated with the new DTaP-HIB-IPV and I feel I can't have her vaccinated against HIB and not him (I've been trying to get just DTaP-IPV for her, but no joy). So now I'm stuck thinking, do I track down somewhere to give her the same as him (Infanrix is no longer available via the NHS), or to give him the HIB he never had.

Anyone know what's available and/or why it was retracted (if it has)? TIA

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99redballoons · 03/01/2006 22:53

Also, if it is still around, do you know the product/manufacturer's name?

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LaylaandSethsmum · 03/01/2006 22:55

Hi, there isn't another HIB given to children once they've completed the primary course as young babies. There was a catch up done in 2003 but that has now ended. you would have to check with your GP about the availability of separate HIb now and I have a feeling that you may not be able to access it via the NHS only privately. Of course, its up to you but if it were me I would get him the HIB and vaccunate your DD as planned.

HTH

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LaylaandSethsmum · 03/01/2006 22:58

Its called Hiberix and made by glaxosmithkline.The only indeication for this to be given singularly on the NHS though is to kids and adults without a spleen, your GP may be happy to give it on a private named patient basis though as it is still licensed in UK

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hana · 03/01/2006 23:45

am pretty sure that my daughter had a hib booster in the spring (05) and she was 4 in Sept. We are in w london

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ruty · 04/01/2006 11:17

the greatest risk of hib is to those under two, but as you say there is some risk up to the age of four or five. You can get single Hib privately and your gp should be able to order it for you. But in a way the greatest risk has already passed for your ds.

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ruty · 04/01/2006 11:19

the reason there was a catch up in 2003 was because the babies that were born two years earlier were given a combi vaccine that seemed not to be working effectively - cases of Hib meningitis went up very abruptly in vaccinated children - so they have now changed the combination vaccine.

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99redballoons · 04/01/2006 15:40

Thanks for the replies.

Funnily enough I forgot that I had my dd's 8wk checkup today and I asked her GP (same as ds') if there was a HIB booster. Apparently it is still available for children who did not recieve it during their primary vax. So I can arrange for ds to have it. Thanks for the product info. I will check to see if this is the one the practice nurse has.

I didn't realise the greatest risk was up to 2yrs. Ruty, do you have any links that talk about this more? I've only found the time to look at the nhs.org website. Do you know how long the vax lasts, eg. 10yrs like most of them? Any other info would be greatly appreciated. Still not sure what to do!

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maZebraltov · 04/01/2006 16:24

dh got pneumonia from HIb at age 26; pretty awful episode inour lives, tbh.

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ruty · 04/01/2006 16:30

my information came from books i have read on the subject - Vaccine Guide by Randall Neustaedter, Vaccinatins, a Thoughtful Parent's Guide by Aviva Jill Romm, and What Your Doctor May Not Tell you About Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave M.D. these are generally Vaccine Sceptical books [please no-one jump on me here!] but they still have to quote research accurately. I don't necessarily trust a lot of the anti vaccine website stuff on the net, but I found these books interesting. You could ask your doc how ong vaccines last - but as far as I know no one is completely sure, and they last differently in different individuals. As far as Hib goes tho, as it seems the risk disappears after the child is about 5 [by then they have colonized enough hib to be immune apparently] you don't need life long protection.

Its a hard one - and people often have polarized views about the subject - i feel a bit stuck in the middle. if your ds handled all his other jabs ok, then he probably will the hib booster as well...

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ruty · 04/01/2006 16:31

that's interesting zebra - i don't think the hib vaccine would have protected him though as it is designed to last only thru childhood as far as i know.