Act-HIB is a vaccine that helps protect your child against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.
ACT-HIB is listed under Health Canada DIN 01959034. The product record and monograph below describe this formulation; the dose schedule comes from the Canadian Immunization Guide.
At a glance
Brand
ACT-HIB
DIN
01959034
Vaccine
Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate (PRP-T)
Presentation
0.5 mL · powder for solution · intramuscular · 2 months and older
Live vaccine
No
Age and suitability depend on the product, the person and the reason for vaccination. Use the planner for a starting point and confirm with a healthcare professional.
Official sources
Use the DIN to confirm this exact product in Health Canada's Drug Product Database.
A listed product may not be stocked or publicly funded.
Before and after your vaccination
Bring your immunization record if you have one, so earlier doses can be checked.
Tell the healthcare professional about a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or an ingredient, and mention any health conditions or medicines that could affect your vaccination.
After the dose, stay where you can be observed for at least 15 minutes. Tell someone right away if you feel faint or develop symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Keep a record of the vaccine name, date and dose you received.
The details below are adapted from a Pharmasist patient handout linked to the same product monograph. The current Canadian Immunization Guide determines the dose schedules shown later.
What this vaccine helps prevent
Act-HIB is a vaccine that helps protect your child against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria.
Hib bacteria can cause serious infections such as meningitis, blood infections, and throat infections that make breathing hard.
This vaccine causes the body to make its own protection (antibodies) against Hib bacteria before your child is ever exposed to them.
What to mention before a dose
Tell your healthcare professional about any allergic reaction your child has had to a previous vaccine, especially one containing tetanus protein.
Tell your healthcare professional if your child has a fever or is not feeling well; vaccination may need to wait until they are better. A mild cold is usually not a reason to delay.
Tell your healthcare professional if your child has a bleeding problem, such as hemophilia, or is taking blood thinners.
Tell your healthcare professional if your child has a weakened immune system, since the vaccine may not work as well.
How it is given
Act-HIB is given as a shot into the muscle, usually in the thigh for babies or the upper arm for older children.
A nurse, doctor, or healthcare professional gives the injection; you do not give this vaccine yourself at home.
Important things to know
Severe allergic reactions are rare but can happen with any vaccine. Your healthcare professional will have treatment ready in case this happens.
Some children may faint around the time of the injection. Your child will be watched for a short time after the shot.
Very premature babies may have longer pauses in breathing for a couple of days after vaccination and may need to be watched closely.
Effects you may notice
Pain, redness, or swelling where the shot was given.
Mild fever.
Fussiness or irritability.
Sleepiness.
Loss of appetite.
Being sick to the stomach (vomiting) or loose stools.
When to contact a healthcare professional
Contact your healthcare professional if your child has a bothersome symptom that does not go away or interferes with daily activities.
Contact your healthcare professional if you are not sure whether a reaction after the shot is expected or needs attention.
When to get emergency help
Get emergency help right away for signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, hives all over the body, trouble breathing, or fainting.
Get help right away if your child has a seizure (fit) after vaccination.
Get help right away if a limb becomes very swollen well beyond the injection site, or if your child develops purple or blue-grey blotchy skin along with severe crying.
Other medicines and vaccines
Tell your healthcare professional about all medicines your child takes, including vitamins and natural health products.
This vaccine can usually be given at the same time as other routine childhood vaccines, but at a different injection site.
Food and drink do not affect this vaccine, since it is given as an injection, not swallowed.
Key points to remember
Bring your child's immunization record to every vaccination visit.
No vaccine gives complete protection, but Act-HIB greatly lowers the risk of serious Hib disease.
These are Canadian Immunization Guide schedules associated with this DIN. The right schedule depends on age, health, prior doses and reason for vaccination. Public health recommendations may differ from a product monograph's authorized schedule.
Hib (ACT-HIB) — infant series given separately
4 doses
Four doses at 2, 4, 6 and 18 months of age when Hib is given on its own.
Hib vaccine alone, when a combination product is not used. Children starting at 7 to 11 months need 2 doses plus a booster; at 12 to 14 months 1 dose plus a booster; at 15 to 59 months a single dose. Not routinely recommended after 5 years of age except for asplenia, stem-cell transplant and other high-risk conditions.
Family guidance on pregnancy: Tdap is recommended in every pregnancy, irrespective of immunization history, ideally at 27 to 32 weeks. Polio (IPV) may be considered for a non-immune person at increased risk; Hib when a predisposing condition is present.
Family guidance on breastfeeding: Tdap is recommended if no adult dose has been given; polio and Hib are used if indicated.
General information only. A suggested date is not an appointment or a prescription; a healthcare professional confirms what you need. Clinical rules reviewed on 2026-09-27.