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Official Description

Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib), PRP-T conjugate, 4 dose schedule, for intramuscular use

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90648 refers to the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine, specifically the PRP-T conjugate formulation, which is administered via intramuscular injection. Vaccines, unlike immune globulins that offer short-term, passive immunity, are designed to provide active, long-term immunity. This is achieved by introducing altered versions of specific pathogens, such as viruses or bacteria, into the recipient's body. The immune system responds by producing its own antibodies against these invaders, thereby creating a memory that enables the body to respond more effectively upon future exposures to the same antigens. Haemophilus influenzae type b is particularly concerning for children under the age of five, as it can lead to severe health complications, including pneumonia, serious throat swelling, infections in joints and bones, and meningitis, which may result in long-term consequences such as brain damage and hearing loss. The CPT® Code 90648 specifically denotes the 4-dose schedule of the PRP-T conjugate Hib vaccine, distinguishing it from other formulations, such as the PRP-OMP conjugate vaccine reported under CPT® Code 90647, which follows a 3-dose schedule. It is important to note that these codes are utilized solely for reporting the vaccine product administered.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib), as indicated by CPT® Code 90648, is primarily administered to protect against serious infections caused by the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. The following conditions and circumstances warrant the use of this vaccine:

  • Children Under 5 Years Old The vaccine is specifically recommended for children under the age of five, as they are at a higher risk of developing severe diseases associated with Hib, including pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections.
  • Prevention of Meningitis The vaccine helps prevent meningitis, a life-threatening infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to long-term neurological damage.
  • Prevention of Pneumonia The Hib vaccine is crucial in preventing pneumonia, a serious lung infection that can result from Hib bacteria, particularly in young children.
  • Prevention of Throat Swelling The vaccine is indicated to prevent serious throat swelling (epiglottitis) caused by Hib, which can obstruct the airway and require emergency medical intervention.
  • Prevention of Joint and Bone Infections The vaccine is also indicated to prevent infections in the joints and bones, which can lead to significant morbidity in affected children.

2. Procedure

The administration of the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib) under CPT® Code 90648 follows a structured procedure to ensure safety and efficacy. The steps involved in the vaccination process are as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment Prior to vaccination, a thorough assessment of the patient’s medical history is conducted to identify any contraindications or previous adverse reactions to vaccines. This step ensures that the patient is an appropriate candidate for the Hib vaccine.
  • Step 2: Preparation of Vaccine The vaccine is prepared according to the manufacturer's guidelines. This includes checking the expiration date, ensuring proper storage conditions, and shaking the vial gently to mix the vaccine if necessary.
  • Step 3: Site Selection and Preparation The healthcare provider selects an appropriate intramuscular injection site, typically the anterolateral thigh for infants and the deltoid muscle for older children. The site is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe to minimize the risk of infection.
  • Step 4: Administration of Vaccine The vaccine is administered via intramuscular injection using a sterile needle and syringe. The provider ensures that the injection is given at the correct angle and depth to ensure proper delivery of the vaccine.
  • Step 5: Post-Administration Monitoring After the vaccine is administered, the patient is monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions. This monitoring is crucial for ensuring patient safety and addressing any potential side effects promptly.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the administration of the Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib), it is important to provide appropriate post-procedure care and guidance. Patients may experience mild side effects, such as soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or irritability, which typically resolve on their own. Caregivers should be informed about these potential reactions and advised to use appropriate measures, such as applying a cool compress to the injection site or administering acetaminophen for fever, if necessary. Additionally, caregivers should be instructed to monitor the child for any unusual or severe reactions, such as high fever, persistent crying, or signs of an allergic reaction, and to seek medical attention if these occur. It is also essential to ensure that the child completes the full 4-dose schedule of the vaccine to achieve optimal immunity against Haemophilus influenzae type b infections.

Short Descr HIB PRP-T VACCINE 4 DOSE IM
Medium Descr HIB PRP-T VACCINE 4 DOSE SCHEDULE IM USE
Long Descr Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib), PRP-T conjugate, 4 dose schedule, for intramuscular use
Status Code Excluded from Physician Fee Schedule by Regulation
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 9 - Not Applicable
Multiple Procedures (51) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Co-Surgeons (62) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Team Surgery (66) 9 - Concept does not apply.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
JZ Zero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
Q1 Routine clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
SK Member of high risk population (use only with codes for immunization)
SL State supplied vaccine
Date
Action
Notes
2016-01-01 Changed First appearance of change in codebook.
2015-07-01 Changed Description changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
1999-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1999.
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