Is HiB vaccine necessary, though it is not mandatory in India?

Q: My daughter is one year two months now. I have given her all vaccinations except HiB (influenza) which is not a compulsory vaccine here in India. I wanted to know whether now I can give her this vaccine. Also when to give her Hepatitis A vaccine? Hepatitis B vaccination we have already given her.

A:In India, with the current profile and the seriousness of the implications of developing disease, HiB (Haemophilus influenzae and not influenza) vaccination is a greater priority than Hepatitis A. If you opt for HiB vaccine, at this age, you need to give it twice at 1-2 months interval. If you can afford Hepatitis A vaccine (an expensive product), it can be given at 2 years of age with a second dose after 6 months to 1 year.