Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Commonly found in the upper respiratory tract (lungs and windpipe), Hib can cause infection in children under 2 years, because they do not have the necessary antibodies (substance produced by the body to fight a particular infection).
Hib infection can cause meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), epiglottitis (inflammation of a part of the larynx), arthritis and pneumonia (lung infection).
Babies with meningitis may have neck stiffness, sensitivity to lights, drowsiness, poor feeding and high fever.
Babies with epiglottitis may have breathing difficulties, be dribbling and anxious.
Hib infections are vaccine preventable.
Vaccination recommended for routine childhood immunisation is listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and funded for children under the Immunise Australia Program.
For technical information refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook 9th Edition 2008 (NHMRC).
Page last modified: 08 April, 2008