Vaccine Research Library » Hib
Hib at a glance:
According to the National Network for Immunization Information, “Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that can infect the outer lining of the brain causing meningitis. Hib is transmitted from person to person through mucus droplets that are spread by coughing or sneezing. Invasive Hib disease occurs most often at three months to three years of age, peaking at six to seven months of age. The disease is uncommon after age five years.
Hib can cause a wide variety of serious infections, including pneumonia, severe throat swelling that makes breathing difficult (epiglottitis), and infections of blood, bones, joints, and the covering of the heart. Complications of Hib meningitis include blindness, deafness, mental retardation, learning disabilities, and death. About 5% of children (500 out of every 10,000) with Hib meningitis die despite antibiotic treatment.”
The Hib vaccine can be given alone or can be administered along with the DPT, hepatitis, or meningococcal vaccines. [1]
Why should I be concerned?
- The Hib vaccine may be linked to shaken baby syndrome. See the research articles below.
- Researchers have demonstrated a possible link between the Hib vaccine and the development of type 1 diabetes. [2]
1. National Network for Immunization Information: Hib
2. Healthy.net – What Doctors Don’t Tell You: HIB VACCINE MAY CAUSE JUVENILE DIABETES