Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)

Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)

• Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) is a serious disease caused by bacteria. Hib usually infects children younger than 5 years old.
• Hib is spread person-to-person through the air. Your child can get Hib disease from being around children or adults who have Hib bacteria in their nose or throat. These people may or may not appear sick.
• Hib can cause meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord). This can lead to permanent deafness and brain damage. Hib infection can also cause pneumonia, blood infections, and severe swelling in the throat that can block breathing and lead to death.
• Hib is common throughout the world. Each year, Hib sickens millions of children worldwide and kills about 200,000. The number of children infected by Hib has greatly declined because of vaccination, but an unvaccinated child can still get infected.
• Vaccination is the most effective step you can take to be protected from this serious disease.

You can protect your child from Hib with vaccination. All children should get 3 or 4 doses of Hib vaccine (depending on brand), starting at 2 months of age. If your child misses a dose or gets behind schedule, make sure they get the next dose as soon as possible. Some adults with certain high-risk conditions need vaccination with Hib. Talk to your healthcare provider to find out if you need this vaccine.