The Hib/Men C vaccine is given as a single injection to boost your baby's protection against two different diseases Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and 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 booster?
The Hib/Men C is a booster vaccination given to all babies shortly after their first birthday as part of the NHS childhood vaccination programme.
Read more about when your baby should have the Hib/Men C booster.
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 the Men C vaccine which they had at 12 and 16 weeks.
Once your baby has received the Hib/Men C booster, 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.
Read more about the Hib/Men C vaccine side effects.
How effective is the Hib/Men C vaccine?
The Hib/Men C booster 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 booster vaccine work?
The Hib/Men C booster contains components of the bacteria that cause the diseases it protects against.
If your child has had vaccinations against these diseases before, the boosters 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.
Read answers to parents' common questions about the Hib/Men C vaccine.
