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Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacteria that pediatricians don't have to think about very much anymore, as a vaccine has been available to prevent this infection since 1988. While Hib was once a life-threatening disease that could cause bacterial meningitis, epiglotitis, and pneumonia, etc., it is now rarely seen.
A shortage of Hib vaccine has left some worried that Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) could come back, but so far, guidelines to defer a booster dose of Hib that most toddlers get when they are 12 to 15 months old has ensured that infants have been able to complete their primary series of the vaccine.
That left many suprised about the report of five cases of Hib in Minnesota last year, including one in which a seven month old died. Of the five cases, including the infant who died, three had not getting vaccines. One other was too young to complete the primary series of the Hib vaccine series (five month old) and the other had an immune system problem. The CDC reports that the increase in cases is likely because of a decrease in herd immunity, in which few kids get infections, even if they aren't vaccinated, because everyone else around them is immune. In addition to the parents refusing vaccines, there was a decrease in infants completing the primary series of Hib in Minnesota, which led to the decreased herd immunity for Hib. To protect your kids from Hib and other vaccine preventable infections, get your kids immunized.
And keep in mind that in addition to these cases of Hib, there have been other recent outbreaks of infections that can be prevented with vaccines, including measles and pertussis (whooping cough).
Are your kids vaccines up-to-date?
If not, schedule a visit with your pediatrician to get caught up. Visit your local health department and other local resources for information on getting free or low cost immunizations if you can't afford your child's vaccines.
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