The bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) can cause a variety of clinical pictures and was the most common causative agent of purulent meningitis until the introduction of vaccination. The peak incidence of Hib meningitis is in the first two years of life, with infants more likely to become ill by 6 months of age.
Hib meningitis can cause severe central nervous system disorders(hearing or speech impairment, blindness, seizure disorder, and severe mental retardation). It also has a high mortality rate. Also feared is inflammation of the larynx (Hib epiglottitis), which at the beginning resembles pseudocroup in its symptoms.
The peak incidence of Hib epiglottitis is the 3. Until 4. year of life.
Vaccination: inactivated vaccine, injection into the muscle
Who should get vaccinated? Infants and young children are particularly at risk. It is therefore strongly recommended not to delay the start of vaccination in the earliest infancy!
Timing of vaccination: first vaccination in infancy after completion of 2 months of life; a total of 3 to 4 vaccinations, with intervals between vaccinations of at least 4 weeks.
After 12 or 15 months of age, a single Hib vaccination is sufficient.
From the age of 5 years, Hib vaccination is useful only in exceptional cases.
Most common vaccination reactions: Very well tolerated, rarely swelling or mild pain at the vaccination site or minor general reactions such as mild fever.