Haemophilus influenzae type b immunisation, is also known as Hib is usually given in combination with diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and hepatitis B (DTaP-IPV-Hep b/Hib) or on its own (Hib). Hib is recommended for children up to the age of 5 years. The number of doses needed depends on the age of the child. Discuss this with your doctor or practice nurse. About Haemophilus influenzae type b Before the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine became available, the majority of infections resulted in meningitis, including fever, headache and stiff neck. (Hib used to be the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children under 5 years of age in NZ prior to vaccination being introduced.) The remainder resulted in cellulitis, arthritis, or sepsis. Hib is still a leading cause of bacterial-pneumonia deaths of children in the developing world. 3 - 6% of cases are fatal with up to 20% of surviving patients suffering long term damage, including permanent hearing loss. Hib is transmitted via respiratory droplets from an infected person, either direct or via a surface where the bacteria are still alive. Those chiefly at risk are infants and young children, contracting the disease from their playmates and classmates. How good is the protection offered by this vaccine? Immunisation for Hib offers excellent protection from serious (invasive) Hib disease for 99% of children. What about side effects? The Hib vaccine has proven to be very safe. A very small number of vaccinated children may have fever and a temperature. Some redness and swelling at the site of the vaccine occurs in 3 to 4 out of every 100 children. Vaccines are prescription medicines. Talk to you nurse, doctor or midwife about possible risks and the benefits of immunisation. |
