The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending reinstatement of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) booster for children ages 12-15 months who have completed the primary three-dose series.
This booster was suspended in 2007 when Merck voluntarily recalled its vaccine and halted production. Although Merck has not resumed production, manufacturer Sanofi Pasteur will step up production of its two Hib-containing vaccines.
Children ages 12-15 months should receive the booster on time. For older children whose booster was deferred, the booster should be given at their next regularly scheduled visit.
Sanofi Pasteur’s DTaP-IPV/Hib (Pentacel) vaccine can be used as a booster, but the CDC recommends using the monovalent HiB vaccine (ActHIB) for children who have already had the necessary doses of DTaP and IPV.
Physicians with questions about their supplies of Hib-containing vaccines that were purchased with nonpublic funds can contact Sanofi Pasteur’s customer service department at (800) 822-2463.
Contact your state or local immunization program to obtain public vaccines, including through the Vaccines for Children program.
For more information, visit the CDC website.