About Hib
Hib is a bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b that affects the airways, skin, ears, bones or brain. It is a serious disease that can cause deafness, brain damage and even death. Hib is a contagious disease, caught by contact with fluids from an infected person. Hib can affect people of all ages but can be prevented with vaccination. Treatment includes antibiotics, usually in hospital.
Case definitions
National guidelines
Prevention
Hib can be prevented with vaccination. If you're eligible, you can get Hib vaccines for free under the National Immunisation Program. See more information about when to get vaccinated.
If you have close contact with someone who has Hib, your doctor may give you antibiotics to prevent you getting infected.
Vaccination
Find out more about getting vaccinated against Hib.
Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
For information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, see healthdirect's Hib page.
Surveillance and reporting
Hib is a nationally notifiable disease.
We monitor cases through the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System.
For more on Hib in Australia, you can search Communicable Diseases Intelligence.