What is HIB disease
Haemophilus influenzae disease, is a serious infectious disease usually affecting children less than 5 years. The organism can be found as a carrier in children or adults and the bug can spread from person to person. The nature of the Hib disease depends on which part of the body is affected. The most common diseases caused by Haemophilus influenzae disease are Pneumonia (lung infection), Sepsis(bloodstream infection), Meningitis (infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord).
This must not be confused with flu which is a viral illness caused by influenza virus.
What is HiB Vaccine
HiB vaccine is in use from 1990s all over the world and is a conjugate type Vaccine against haemophilus Influenza Type B Bacteria which is responsible for serious forms of the disease
What is the recommended age for HIB Vaccine
Indian Academy of Pediatrics recommends 3 doses within the first year followed by a booster dose from between 12-18 months
Dose 1 :6 weeks
Dose 2: 10 weeks
Dose 3:14 weeks
Booster dose ;12-18 months
HiB Vaccine is usually given in combination with other vaccines
How safe and effective is the HiB Vaccine
Hib Vaccine is very safe and effective
What are the side effects
Side effects are usually none. Mild pain, swelling at the injection site may occur which usually occurs on the day of vaccination.
Haemophilus influenzae (including Hib) is a bacterium that can cause a severe infection, occurring mostly in infants and children younger than five years of age. In spite of its name, Haemophilus influenzae does not cause influenza (the “flu”). It can cause lifelong disability and be deadly.
There are six identifiable types of Haemophilus influenzae bacteria (a through f) and other non-identifiable types (called nontypeable). The one that most people are familiar with is Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib. There’s a vaccine that can prevent disease caused by Hib, but not the other types ofHaemophilus influenzae.
