Overview
- Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) is a serious disease caused by bacteria. Hib usually infects children younger than 5 years old.
- Hib is spread person-to-person through the air. Your child can get Hib disease from being around children or adults who have Hib bacteria in their nose or throat. These people may or may not appear sick.
- Hib can cause meningitis (infection of the brain and spinal cord). This can lead to permanent deafness and brain damage. Hib infection can also cause pneumonia, blood infections, and severe swelling in the throat that can block breathing and lead to death.
- Hib is common throughout the world. Each year, Hib sickens millions of children worldwide and kills about 200,000. The number of children infected by Hib has greatly declined in the U.S. because of vaccination, but an unvaccinated child can still get infected.
- Vaccination is the most effective step you can take to be protected from this serious disease.
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) Vaccine 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.
RESOURCES
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib): Questions and Answers
Hib disease and vaccine information, from Immunize.org.
Partner Resources
Three doses or four doses, depending on the brand, of a Hib vaccine are recommended for children by doctors as the best way to protect against Hib disease. Learn more about the flu and vaccine, including the Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. A Spanish-language version is also available.
Find fact sheets, resources, multimedia, and more for parents and children from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Find easy-to-understand vaccine information for yourself or your loved ones, from the Department of Health & Human Services.
Questions and answers about Hib and vaccines from the Vaccine Education Center at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
PERSONAL TESTIMONIES Mary Catherine
A couple with serious concerns about the safety and morality of vaccination delayed immunizing their infant daughter. While they research their questions, their daughter is hospitalized with Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).
Read more.Sarah Archer
A busy mother procrastinates about getting her daughter’s Hib vaccination. She describes the anguish of watching her 2-year-old’s near-fatal illness.
Read more.
Hib Vaccine—Vaccines and Your Baby
The Hib bacteria can cause meningitis. The vaccine has eliminated tens of thousands of cases of Hib every year.
People of any age can feel a bit anxious about getting a shot. Some may be so anxious that they avoid vaccination…even when they know it’s important. Learn more about simple ways to help any child or adult feel better and more confident when getting vaccinated.