What is Pedvax Hib: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Pedvax Hib overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Pentacel-ActHIB Component, ActHIB, Pedvaxhib

Generic Names:

  • Pedvax Hib

Uses:

  • Prevents infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria in babies and young children.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Vaccine

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Pedvax Hib used for?

What form(s) does Pedvax Hib come in

  • Injectable

What are common Pedvax Hib doses?

  • Vial 0.5ML of 7.5MCG/0.5ML

Common Pedvax Hib prescriptions

  • Pedvax HIB
    0.5ml of 7.5mcg/0.5ml vial

How to take Pedvax Hib

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. It is important that your child receive all of the doses of vaccine in this series. Try to keep all of your scheduled appointments. Make another appointment as soon as possible if your child misses a dose of this vaccine.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.

  • The exact schedule for your child's vaccines will vary depending on the brand of medicine used and your child's age at the time of the first dose. In general, your child will receive the first dose at 2 to 6 months of age, followed by 2 more doses at least 8 weeks apart. Your child will usually receive a booster dose at 15 to 18 months of age, although he or she can receive this medicine up until the age of 5 years.

  • Your child may receive other vaccines at the same time as this one. You should receive information sheets on all of the vaccines. Make sure you understand all of the information given to you.

  • The exact schedule for your child's vaccines will vary depending on the brand of medicine used and your child's age at the time of the first dose. In general, your child will receive the first dose at 2 to 6 months of age, followed by 2 more doses at least 8 weeks apart. Your child will usually receive a booster dose at 15 to 18 months of age, although he or she can receive this medicine up until the age of 5 years.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeCall your doctor or pharmacist for instructions. It is important that your child receive all of the doses of vaccine in this series. Try to keep all of your scheduled appointments. Make another appointment as soon as possible if your child misses a dose of this vaccine.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Your child may receive other vaccines at the same time as this one. You should receive information sheets on all of the vaccines. Make sure you understand all of the information given to you.

What to do if you miss a dose of Pedvax Hib

  • It is important that your child receive all of the doses of vaccine in this series. Try to keep all of your scheduled appointments.

  • If your child does miss a dose of this vaccine, make another appointment as soon as possible.

Pedvax Hib contraindications

  • This vaccine is not right for everyone. Your child should not receive it if he or she had an allergic reaction to a Haemophilus influenzae b vaccine or tetanus vaccine (including DTP or DTaP vaccines).

Pedvax Hib warnings

  • It may take up to 2 weeks for your child's body to develop the ability to resist an infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b. There is a chance your child could become ill during this time with the bacteria.

  • The vaccine syringe and vial stopper contains dry natural rubber (a derivative of latex), which may cause allergic reactions in people who are sensitive to latex. Tell your doctor if your child has a latex allergy before receiving this medicine.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Tell your doctor if your child has bleeding problems, HIV infection or AIDS, cancer, problems with the immune system, or a history of Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe nerve and muscle problem).

  • Tell your doctor if your child has any type of illness or infection (including a cold or the flu), especially if your child has a fever. Your doctor may want to delay giving the shot until your child is well.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Pedvax Hib interactions

  • Some medicines may affect how haemophilus b conjugate vaccine (tetanus toxoid conjugate) works. Tell your doctor if your child is also using any medicine that weakens the immune system (including arthritis medicine, cancer medicine, steroids, or radiation treatment).

  • Make sure your doctor knows if your child has an allergy to latex rubber. The vaccine syringes and vials may contain dry natural latex rubber. This may cause an allergic reaction in patients who are sensitive to latex.

  • Tell your doctor if your child has any type of illness or infection (such as a cold or the flu), especially if your child has a fever. Your doctor may want to delay giving the shot until your child is well.

  • It may take up to 2 weeks for your child's body to develop the ability to resist an infection with Haemophilus influenzae type b. There is a chance your child could become ill during this time with the bacteria.

  • Patients who have problems with their immune systems, such as those who are getting medicine like prednisone, receiving chemotherapy for cancer, or who have HIV infection or AIDS, may not be fully protected by this vaccine. Because there may be some benefit, your child's doctor may still want to give the vaccine.

Pedvax Hib side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Restlessness.

  • Redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given.

  • Low fever.

  • Irritability.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fever over 103 degrees F, chills, cough, sore throat, stuffy or runny nose, body aches

  • Diarrhea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.

  • Sleepiness or lack of energy.

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Drowsiness, restlessness, lack of energy

  • Low fever.

  • Redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given.

  • Redness, pain, or swelling where the shot was given

  • Irritability.

  • Restlessness.

  • Crying, irritability

  • Sleepiness or lack of energy.