Hib/Men C vaccine

The Hib/Men C vaccine is given as a single injection to boost your baby's protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and protect against meningitis C.

Hib and meningitis C infections are serious and potentially fatal and they can both cause meningitis and septicaemia (blood poisoning).

Who should have the Hib/Men C?

The Hib/Men C is a vaccination given to all babies shortly after their first birthday as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.

The vaccine boosts the protection your child has already gained from their first course of Hib vaccine which they had in the 5-in-1 vaccine at 8, 12 and 16 weeks old, and provides a dose of the  Men C vaccine.

Once your baby has received the Hib/Men C vaccine, they will be protected against Hib and meningitis C into adulthood.

The brand name of the Hib/Men C vaccine given in the UK is Menitorix.

How safe is the Hib/Men C vaccine?

The Hib/Men C vaccine is very safe. It's inactivated which means it doesn't contain any live organisms so there is no risk of catching the diseases against which it protects. The vaccine also has few side effects.

How effective is the Hib/Men C vaccine?

The Hib/Men C vaccine is highly effective and protects children when they are most vulnerable to these diseases. Rates of Hib disease and meningitis C in the UK are now at their lowest-ever levels as a result of vaccination.

How does a vaccine work?

The Hib/Men C vaccine contains components of the bacteria that cause the diseases it protects against.

If your child has had vaccinations against these diseases before, the vaccine will increase their immunity to protect them in the future.

If your child comes into contact with these germs, the antibodies their body produces after vaccination will fight the infection to stop the disease taking hold.

Last Updated: 17/02/2022 16:04:01
The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by NHS website nhs.uk