Haemophilus influenzae, type b (Hib) Basics

• Haemophilus influenzae Disease: Commonly Asked Questions
  Minnesota Department of Health fact sheet on haemophilus influenzae disease. Hib refers to the b serotype of haemophilus influenzae. Hib refers to the b serotype of haemophilus influenzae.
• CDC: Haemophilus influenzae Disease (Including Hib)
  CDC information about all types of haemophilus influenzae disease.

The Hib vaccine protects young children from the haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria, which can cause severe swelling in the throat that makes it hard to breathe, a serious form of pneumonia, and a disease called bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord that can lead to lasting brain damage and deafness in young children and can sometimes be fatal.

Before there was a vaccine for Hib disease, two-thirds of the children stricken with the disease were infants under one year of age.

When should children get the hib vaccine?

Children should get 3 to 4 doses (depending upon product used) of the Hib Vaccine, at:

• 2 months
• 4 months
• 6 months (depending upon product used), and
• 12-15 months

More information on the hib vaccine

Immunize.org: Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib): What You Need to Know
Vaccine information statements (VIS) in English and other languages.