Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b)
Schedule: 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.
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), a type of bacteria, can cause many different kinds of infections. These infections range from mild ear infections to severe diseases, like bloodstream infections.
Doctors consider some of these infections “invasive.” Invasive disease happens when the bacteria invade parts of the body that are normally free from germs. For example, H. influenzae can invade the spinal fluid, causing meningitis, or bloodstream, causing bacteremia. Invasive disease is usually severe, requiring treatment in a hospital, and can sometimes result in death.
The most common types of invasive disease caused by H. influenzae are:
- Pneumonia* (lung infection)
- Bacteremia (bloodstream infection)
- Meningitis (infection of the tissue covering of the brain and spinal cord)
- Epiglotittis (swelling in the throat)
- Cellulitis (skin infection)
- Infectious arthritis (inflammation of the joint)
H. influenzae can also be a common cause of ear infections in children and bronchitis in adults
Websites:
CDC’s website offers information and resources on Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine.
Stop Transmission of Polio (STOP) Program
Vaccines.gov provides resources from federal agencies for the general public and their communities about vaccines across the lifespan.
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia provides questions and answers about Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) from the Vaccine Education Center.
Immunization Action Coalition offers free information and downloads for healthcare providers, coalitions, and parents.
