PedvaxHIB (Merck) is the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine preferred for American Indian and Alaskan Native (AI/AN) infants. Since Vaxelis (DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB) contains the same kind of Hib vaccine, is it also preferred?

Historically, AI/AN infants were more likely than other U.S.-born infants to develop Hib meningitis before being old enough to complete a primary series of Hib-containing vaccine. ACIP prefers that AI/AN infants be vaccinated with PedvaxHIB because it can stimulate protective levels of antibodies after the first dose.

Vaxelis contains the same Hib vaccine components as PedvaxHIB, but in smaller quantities. At the time ACIP approved Vaxelis, no data were available on the immune response to the Hib component of Vaxelis after the first dose, so ACIP did not make a preferential recommendation for Vaxelis in AI/AN infants. ACIP stated it would re-evaluate its decision if new information becomes available.