Why It Is Used

Hib disease can cause meningitis, pneumonia, skin and bone infections, and other serious illnesses in young children. It usually causes problems for children younger than age 5. (It does not cause the flu.)

Hib vaccine is given to protect people from becoming infected with Hib bacteria.

Your child can get Hib disease by being around other children or adults who have the infection and do not know it. The germs spread from person to person. If the germs stay in your child's nose and throat, your child will probably not get sick. But sometimes the germs cause serious problems when they spread into your child's lungs or blood.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommends that all children should be immunized against Hib at 2, 4 and 6 months with a fourth dose at 18 months.^{footnote 1} The Hib vaccine may be combined with other vaccines so children only have to receive one shot (known as the 5-in-1, or 6-in-1 shots).

Children older than age 5 usually do not need Hib vaccine. Some older children and adults may need the shot if they also have other health problems, such as sickle cell disease, HIV, or AIDS. The Hib shot may also be needed if your child has had surgery to remove his or her spleen, a stem cell transplant, or is being treated for cancer.