What is MenHibrix?
MenHibrix is a vaccine that helps prevent meningococcal and hemophilus-B disease in children. Haemophilus flue type B, or Hib, is a bacterium that can cause severe illness. This includes breathing problems and meningitis. The infection with Hib is usually fatal in children. A bacteria causes meningococcal infection, a serious illness. The bacteria that cause meningitis can also infect the spinal cord and brain. These conditions are often fatal. Haemophilus and meningococcal diseases can be spread by small droplets that are released into the air from an infected individual when they cough or sneeze. Bacteria can be spread by touching objects that the infected individual has touched. This could include a door handle or another surface. Bacteria can be spread by kissing or sharing a drink glass or eating tool with an infected individual. MenHibrix is a product that works by exposing a child to a tiny dose of bacteria. MenHibrix cannot treat an infection that is already active in the body. MenHibrix can be used by children aged between 6 weeks and 18 months. MenHibrix, like any vaccine, may not protect everyone from disease.
Warnings
If your child has had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening to any of the meningococcal vaccines, hemophilus b, or tetanus, then MenHibrix is not for them. Tell your doctor before your child receives MenHibrix if your child has a weakened immune system, was born prematurely, or has had Guillain-Barre syndrome in the past 6 weeks following a tetanus vaccine. You can still give your child a vaccination if they have a minor cold. Wait until your child is better if they have a severe illness, such as a high fever or an infection. If your child had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after the initial shot, a booster should not be given. Keep track of all side effects that your child experiences after receiving MenHibrix. You will need to inform the doctor of any side effects that occurred after the first shot. Ensure your child gets all the recommended MenHibrix doses. If your child does not get the entire series, he or she may not be protected from disease. MenHibrix is not as dangerous for your child's safety as getting infected by hemophilus B or meningitis. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the risks of serious side effects are extremely low.
Similar/related drugs
Ciprofloxacin, Ceftriaxone, Rocephin, Rifampin, Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine, Rifadin, and Vaxelis
Before you take this drug
If your child has had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening to a meningococcal vaccine, hemophilus b, or tetanus, then MenHibrix should not be given.
MenHibrix can be delayed or even avoided if your child suffers from any of the following conditions:
- Guillain-Barre syndrome (within six weeks of receiving a tetanus vaccine);
- A weak immune system can be caused by a disease (such as cancer, HIV, or AIDS) or certain medications, such as steroids.
- If the child was prematurely born,
MenHibrix is not recommended for children younger than 6 weeks of age or older than 18 months.
How to take MenHibrix?
MenHibrix can be injected into the muscle. This injection will be given to your child in the doctor's office or another clinic setting. MenHibrix comes in four shots. The first shot will usually be given between the ages of 6 and 8 weeks. The booster shots will be given at 4, 6, and 12–15 months. The last booster can be given up to 18 months old. The booster schedule for your child may differ from the guidelines. You can follow the instructions of your doctor or the schedule set by your local health department. You can still give MenHibrix to your child if they have a mild cold. Wait until your child is better if they have a severe illness, such as a fever or infection. When the shot is administered and for the following 24 hours, your doctor may prescribe an aspirin-free pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, and others), to treat fever and pain. You should follow the directions on the medicine's label or those of your doctor about how much to give your child. Prevention of fever among children who suffer from seizure disorders such as epilepsy is of particular concern.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are behind on your booster doses or have missed a scheduled dose, contact your doctor. The next dose should be administered as soon as you can. There is no need to start again. Ensure your child gets all the recommended doses. You may not fully protect your child if you do not give him or her the entire series.
What happens if I overdose?
MenHibrix does not cause an overdose.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes restrictions regarding food, beverages or activities that must be observed strictly, be sure to follow his or her directions accordingly.
Side effects of MenHibrix
If your child had an allergic reaction that was life-threatening after the initial shot, a booster should not be given. Track any side effects that your child may have after receiving MenHibrix. You will need to inform the doctor of any side effects that occurred after the first shot. MenHibrix is not as dangerous for your child's safety as getting infected by hemophilus or meningitis. This vaccine, like all medicines, can have side effects, but the chances of them being serious are extremely low. If your child shows any of the following signs of an allergy to MenHibrix, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or swelling of the throat.
If your child is experiencing a serious adverse reaction, such as:
- Symptoms of severe weakness include difficulty breathing.
- Extreme drowsiness, fainting;
- The act of crying or fussing for more than an hour.
- Seizure (convulsions);
- High fever (within hours or days of the vaccination).
Menhibrix may cause side effects such as:
- Redness, pain, or swelling at the site of the injection;
- Low fever
- Mild fussiness or crying
- Loss of appetite
There may be additional side effects. For medical advice on side effects of vaccines, speak to your healthcare provider or call 1-800-822-7967 and report the adverse reaction(s).
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor all the vaccines that your child has received recently before he administers MenHibrix.
Tell your doctor if your child has recently received any drugs or treatments that can weaken their immune system.
- Steroid medications may be taken by mouth, nasal inhalation, inhalation or injection;
- Medications to treat psoriasis or autoimmune diseases, including etanercept, leflunomide, and others.
- Medicines to treat or prevent organ rejection, such as basiliximab, cyclosporine, mycophenolate, tacrolimus, sirolimus, and Neoral
Your child may be unable to receive vaccination if he or she is taking one or more of these medicines, or may need to wait until other treatments have finished before receiving it. MenHibrix may interact with medications not listed here. Inform your physician of any and all medications being taken by your child - from prescription, OTC products and herbal to vitamin supplements and even vitamins taken over-the-counter. Likewise, do not start any new medication without first consulting with their healthcare provider.
