Haemophilus B is a type of influenza (flu) caused by bacteria.

Haemophilus B bacteria can infect the lungs or throat, and can also spread to the blood, bones, joints, brain, or spinal cord. It can cause breathing problems or meningitis, and these infections can be fatal.

Hepatitis B is a serious disease caused by virus.

Hepatitis B is a disease of the liver that is spread through blood or bodily fluids, sexual contact or sharing IV drug needles with an infected person, or during childbirth when a baby is born to a mother who is infected. Hepatitis causes inflammation of the liver, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Hepatitis can lead to liver cancer, cirrhosis, or death.

The haemophilus B and hepatitis B vaccine is used to help prevent these diseases in children.

This vaccine works by exposing your child to a small dose of the bacteria or virus, which causes the body to develop immunity to the disease. This vaccine will not treat an active infection that has already developed in the body.

Haemophilus B and hepatitis B vaccine is for use in children between the ages of 6 weeks and 15 months old.

Like any vaccine, the haemophilus B and hepatitis B vaccine may not provide protection from disease in every person.

The haemophilus B and hepatitis B vaccine is given in a series of shots. The first shot is usually given when the child is 2 months old. Booster shots may be given at 4 months and 12 to 15 month of age. Your child's individual booster schedule may be different from these guidelines. Follow your doctor's instructions or the schedule recommended by the health department of the state you live in.

Be sure your child receives all recommended doses of this vaccine. If your child does not receive the full series of vaccines, he or she may not be fully protected against the disease.

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.

Your child should not receive a booster vaccine if he or she had a life-threatening allergic reaction after the first shot.

Keep track of any and all side effects your child has after receiving this vaccine. When the child receives a booster dose, you will need to tell the doctor if the previous shots caused any side effects.

Becoming infected with haemophilus B or hepatitis A is much more dangerous to your child's health than receiving the vaccine to protect against these diseases. Like any medicine, this vaccine can cause side effects, but the risk of serious side effects is extremely low.

A hepatitis B vaccine will not protect you against infection with hepatitis A, C, and E, or other viruses that affect the liver. It may also not protect you from hepatitis B if you are already infected with the virus, even if you do not yet show symptoms.

Your child should not receive this vaccine if the child is allergic to baker's yeast, or if he or she has ever had a life-threatening allergic reaction to any vaccine containing haemophilus B or hepatitis B.

Your child should also not receive this vaccine if the child has received cancer chemotherapy or radiation treatment in the past 3 months.

Before receiving this vaccine, tell the doctor if your child has:

• multiple sclerosis;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder such as hemophilia or easy bruising;

• a history of epilepsy or other seizure disorder;

• an allergy to latex rubber;

• a weak immune system caused by disease, bone marrow transplant, or by using certain medicines or receiving cancer treatments; or

• if the child is taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Your child can still receive a vaccine if he or she has a cold or fever. In the case of a more severe illness with a fever or any type of infection, wait until the child gets better before receiving this vaccine.