Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

When Hib invades the body from the throat or nose, this infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), epiglottitis (inflammation of a part of the lower throat), joint infections/arthritis and pneumonia (lung infection). It can take between 2 and 4 days after infection for symptoms to show.

Babies with meningitis may have drowsiness, poor feeding, bulging fontanelles (the soft spot on the top of a baby’s head) and high fever.

Older children with meningitis typically have neck stiffness and sensitivity to light. Children with epiglottitis may have breathing difficulties and be dribbling and anxious. Both meningitis and epiglottitis can develop quickly and if left untreated, can rapidly cause death.

Hib disease is now very uncommon because most children are vaccinated. Although infection is spread in droplets that are shed from the nose or throat, it is not easy to catch the disease.

In the general population, unvaccinated children under 5 years of age and elderly people (>65 years of age) are at highest risk of acquiring Hib disease.

The best way to prevent Hib disease is to ensure all children are vaccinate.

People with Hib disease should not attend childcare or school until they are well and have completed an appropriate course of antibiotics.

In certain circumstances, a short course of antibiotics may be recommended for those in very close contact with someone who has Hib disease. The purpose of the antibiotic is to eliminate the Hib bacteria from the nose or throat of those who may be carrying it and so prevent the bacteria from being passed to those most susceptible to Hib disease. However, cases of disease may occur despite taking the antibiotic so contacts must still be alert for symptoms.

Yes, Hib is a vaccine preventable disease. Hib-containing vaccines are the best way to protect your child from Hib.

Hib vaccination is recommended as part of routine childhood immunisation. It is funded for children under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule. In WA. the Hib vaccine is offered free according to the WA Childhood Immunisation Schedule. The schedule is carefully planned to protect babies and children as soon as it is possible.

Doses of Hib vaccine are given at 6-8 weeks then at, 4 and 6 months of age, with a booster dose at 18 months.

To receive Hib immunisation, visit your local doctor or other immunisation provider.

It is important to note that the vaccine is provided at no cost, however a consultation fee may apply.