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Vaccine Preventable Diseases

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)

The Disease

Hib disease is severe bacterial infection, occurring primarily in infants and children under 5 years of age. It is caused by a bacterium, Haemophilus influenzae. There are six different types of these bacteria (a through f). Type b organisms account for 95 percent of all strains that cause invasive disease, and this is the type against which the Hib vaccine protects.  Hib disease can be very serious. The most common type of invasive Hib disease is meningitis.

The Vaccine

Hib vaccine prevents meningitis (an infection of the covering of the brain and spinal cord), pneumonia (lung infection), epiglottitis (a severe throat infection), and other serious infections caused by a type of bacteria called Haemophilus influenzae type b.

Who Should get Vaccinated?

All children under 5 years old should receive three to four doses of Hib vaccine. 

North Carolina Requirements

Three doses of HbOC or PRP-T, or two doses of PRP-OMP before age seven months and a booster dose of any type on or after age 12 months and by age 16 months.

Individuals who receive the first dose of Hib on or after seven months of age and before 12 months of age are required to have two doses of HbOC, PRP-T or PRP-OMP and a booster dose on or after 12 months of age and by 16 months of age. Individuals who receive the first dose of Hib on or after 12 months of age and before 15 months of age are required to have only two doses of HbOC, PRP-T or PRP-OMG and a booster dose two months later. Individuals who receive the first dose of Hib vaccine on or after 15 months of age are required to have only one dose of any of the Hib conjugate vaccines. Individuals who have passed their fifth birthday are not required to be vaccinated against Hib.

Additional Resources

• CDC page on Hib
• Images of Hib (please be aware some of these images may be inappropriate for young or sensitive viewers)
• Vaccine Information Statement