|
- Haemophilus influenzae type b Recall and New Recommendations (12/18/07)
- Q&A from the CDC for Providers (Exit Site)
- Q&A from the CDC for Parents (Exit Site)
- Supply Issues (Exit Site)
- Temporary Recommendations from the CDC
The Disease
You may never have heard of Haemophilus influenzae type b, or "Hib" disease. For some reason Hib disease has never become as well known as other childhood diseases, but it is just as dangerous. As recently as the mid-1980's, Hib disease struck one child out of 200 under 5 years old in the United States. Every year about 12,000 children got meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain) as a result of Hib. In fact, Hib disease was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children under five. About 1 in 4 of these children suffered permanent brain damage, and about 1 in 20 died. In addition, about 8,000 children a year suffered from other serious complications, such as pneumonia.
(more about the symptoms and way its spread)
The Immunization
Hib vaccine has had a dramatic impact on Haemophilus influenzae type b. As soon the first vaccine came into use in 1985 the disease began to disappear. Several improved vaccines have been licensed since then, and the age for the first shot has been lowered from 24 months to 2 months. There were an estimated 20,000 cases of Hib disease a year in the mid-1980's, but now there are only a few hundred cases a year.
(more about the immunization and side effects)
Vaccine Recommendations
Quick Facts - What You Need to Know
- What is Hib disease?
- Who should get Hib vaccine and when?
- Some people should not get Hib vaccine or should wait
- What are the risks from Hib vaccine?
- What if there is a moderate or severe reaction?
Other Resources
- CDC Hib page (Exit Site)
- Immunization Action Coalition Hib page (Exit Site)
- National Network for Immunization Information Hib page (Exit Site)
  |
 |
Click above
to view video. Need Realplayer? Video Credits |
|
 |
