Haemophilus (Hib) 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. Since invasive haemophilus disease is rare after the age of 5, older children and adults do not require vaccination.

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 and is given as part of the Immunisation Schedule for Children schedule at 2, 4,6 and 12 months.

The Vaccine:

Hib vaccine is not a live vaccine.

Hib is given as part of the Immunisation Schedule for Children at 6 weeks, 4, and 18 mths.

Recommended for:

Children of 5 yrs old or less via the Immunisation Schedule for Children.

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

The Hib vaccination should not be given where a severe allergic reaction to a previous dose has occurred or as with other vaccines, immunisation should be deferred in the presence of fever over 38.5 degrees.

Adverse Reactions:

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. 
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