Hib (also known as Haemophilus influenzae type b) can do some serious damage to a child’s immune systems and cause brain damage, hearing loss, or even death. Hib mostly affects kids under five years old. Before the vaccine, over 20,000 kids were infected each year. Of these kids, one in five suffered brain damage or became deaf. Even with treatment, as many as one out of 20 kids with Hib meningitis dies.

WHO IS AT RISK?

Babies and children younger than 5 years old are most at risk for Hib disease.

HOW IS HIB SPREAD?

Hib is transmitted through contact with mucus or droplets from the nose and throat of an infected person often by coughing or sneezing. Hib is also spread by people who have the bacteria in their noses and throats but are not ill (asymptomatic).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Symptoms depend on the part of the body it affects. The most common type of Hib disease is meningitis. It causes:

• Fever
• Headache or stiff neck
• Nausea with or without vomiting
• Eyes being more sensitive to light
• Confusion
• Poor eating and drinking, low alertness, or irritability (in babies)

Hib disease can also cause:

• Pneumonia  
• Throat swelling that makes it hard to breathe
• Infections of the blood, joints, bones, and covering of the heart

WHEN IS THE VACCINE GIVEN?

Infants will usually get their first dose of Hib vaccine at 2 months of age and will usually complete the series at 12–15 months of age. Children between 12 months and 5 years of age who have not previously been completely vaccinated against Hib may need 1 or more doses of Hib vaccine.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF THE SHOT?

Most children don’t have any side effects from the shot. The side effects that do occur are usually mild, and may include:

• Redness, swelling, warmth, or pain where the shot was given
• Fever