HAEMOPHILUS INFLUENZA B ( Hib )

Haemophilus is a bacterial infection which usually causes sore throat, middle ear infection or cough. However, in young children, usually under 5 years, it can cause the serious infections meningitis or epiglottitis – both of which are fatal without urgent treatment. Indigenous children are at particular risk.

In 1993 routine Hib immunisation was introduced in Australia – since then the incidence of serious haemophilus infection has declined by more than 90 %.

Hib vaccine is not a live vaccine.

Hib is given as part of the standard immunisation schedule at 2, 4 and 12 months.

Because invasive haemophilus disease is rare after the age of 5, older children and adults do not require vaccination.

People who have, or are to have their spleen removed, should be given a single dose.

Adverse reactions to the vaccine are unusual – up to 5 % of children will get redness and swelling at the injection site – this normally resolves within 24 hours of vaccination.

The only CONTRA-INDICATION to Hib vaccination is a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose.

As with other vaccines, immunisation should be deferred in the presence of fever over 38.5 degrees.