Haemophilus influenzae (including Hib) is a bacteria 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), but only one (type b, or Hib) is preventable by immunization. Before the Hib vaccine, the most common type of invasive Haemophilus influenzae disease was meningitis (an infection of the fluid and lining around the brain and spinal cord). Hib can also be a common cause of ear infections in children and bronchitis in adults.
All children younger than 5 years old should be immunized against Hib. There are two types of Hib vaccine – one given to children at ages 2, 4, and 6 months; and another given at 2 and 4 months. With both vaccines, children need one booster shot when they are 12-15 months old.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Fact Sheet
12/2/2015
This information paper describes Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) disease and the vaccine to prevent it
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