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Description

Haemophilus Influenzae Type B is a severe bacterial infection, occurring primarily in infants and children under 5 years

Symptoms

Meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, epiglotittis (a severe throat infection), skin infections, and arthritis (Can be serious in children under age 1, but there is little risk of getting the disease after age 5)

Complications

Hib meningitis (death in one out of 20 children, and permanent brain damage in 10% - 30% of the survivors)

Transmission of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B

Spread most likely through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing)

Vaccine

Hib vaccine is highly effective at preventing Hib disease.

As an adult, do I need it?

Most people over 5 years old do not need Hib vaccine. However, you should discuss getting the vaccine with your physician, if you have sickle cell anemia, or if your immune system is weakened because of

• HIV/AIDS or other diseases that affect the immune system
• treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids
• cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs
• bone marrow or organ transplant
• damaged spleen or no spleen.

Vaccine Information Statement

Haemophilus Fact Sheet English (pdf)

Haemophilus Fact Sheet Spanish (pdf)