2019 Vaccine Guide & Insert - 8

HIB

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
What causes Hib disease?
Hib disease is caused by a bacterium, Haemophilus influenzae type b. There are six
different types of these bacteria (a through f). Type b organisms account for 95% of
all strains that cause invasive disease, and this is the type against which the Hib
vaccine protects.

Hib vaccine should
never be given to a
child younger than
six weeks of
age, as this might
reduce his/her
ability to respond to
subsequent doses.

How serious is Hib disease?
Hib disease can be very serious. The most common type of invasive Hib disease is
meningitis, an infection of the membranes covering the brain (50%-65% of cases).
Symptoms of Hib meningitis include fever, decreased mental status, and stiff neck.
The mortality rate is 2%-5%. In addition, 15%-30% of survivors suffer some permanent
neurologic damage, including blindness, deafness, and mental retardation.
Another 17% of invasive Hib cases results in epiglottitis, an infection and swelling in the
throat that can lead to life‐threatening airway blockage. Other forms of invasive Hib
disease include joint infection (8%), skin infection (6%), pneumonia (15%), and bone
infection (2%).
Two tragic incidents showing the seriousness of Hib were reported from both Minnesota
and Pennsylvania in early 2009. Minnesota reported a total of five cases of invasive
Hib disease in children younger than 5 years from 2008, the largest number since
1992. Three of the children had not been vaccinated because of parent/guardian deferral
or refusal. One of these children died. In Pennsylvania, seven cases were reported
for the six‐month period from October 2008-March 2009. Only one child had received
any vaccine (1 dose) and 3 of the children died.
How many doses of Hib vaccine are required for the childhood series?
Children who begin their vaccination series in infancy need three to four doses, depending
on the brand of Hib vaccine used. Children should get Hib vaccine at age two
months, four months, six months (depending on the brand of vaccine), and 12-15
months of age. Hib vaccine should never be given to a child younger than six weeks of
age, as this might reduce his/her ability to respond to subsequent doses.
Source: http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4206.pdf
CPT Information
Administration CPT Code without
physician counseling

90471, 90472, 90473 or 90474

Administration CPT Code with
physician counseling

90460 or 90461

ActHIB

90648

HIBERIX

90648

PedvaxHIB®

90647

For informational purposes only. Source: ReimbursementCodes.com and/or www.cms.gov. Customer is responsible for verification of billing/coding in accordance with applicable specific circumstances.
See manufacturer package insert for full prescribing information.
†

To Order: 1.800.P.SCHEIN (1.800.772.4346) 8am-8:30pm, et

To Fax: 1.800.329.9109 24 Hrs

19MS4037

http://www.immunize.org/catg.d/p4206.pdf http://www.ReimbursementCodes.com http://www.cms.gov

2019 Vaccine Guide & Insert

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