Protect your child from Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
What is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is an often-severe infection caused by a specific strain of the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae (H. influenzae). Different types of H. influenzae live in people’s noses and throats. Usually, the bacteria are harmless unless they move to other parts of the body and cause infection.
H. influenzae infection may be mild, causing ear, eye, or sinus infections in children. However, Hib infection can cause serious illness, especially in infants. Severe infection can lead to meningitis (swelling of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), sepsis (infection of the bloodstream), epiglottitis (swelling of the throat), pneumonia (lung infection), arthritis (swelling of a joint), cellulitis (skin infection) or even death. Severe infections can also lead to long-term problems, like brain damage or hearing loss from meningitis or loss of limbs, like fingers, hands, legs and arms, from bloodstream infections.
Why does my child need protection against Hib?
Infants, especially between the ages of 6 and 11 months, and children under the age of 5 years are most at risk for Hib disease. When severe, Hib requires hospitalization and multiple days of antibiotics to treat the infection.
Which vaccines protect against Hib?
Hib vaccines protect against Haemophilus influenzae type b. Immunization in infancy is the best way to protect against severe Hib disease. Children are recommended to get a Hib vaccine at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months (if needed; depending on brand used) and 12-15 months of age.
Are they safe?
Hib vaccines are very safe. Side effects of the vaccines occur infrequently, but most commonly include redness or swelling at the injection site or fever.
Are they effective?
Hib vaccines are very effective at protecting against Hib disease. The Hib vaccine is more than 95% effective at preventing Hib disease. Severe Hib disease is uncommon in children who are fully vaccinated. However, protection decreases over time. Children need a Hib vaccine dose between 12 and 15 months of age to maintain high levels of protection during early childhood.