Charging in with Information about Hib!

 🦛 Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae type b. It is a type of bacteria that can cause very serious illnesses in babies and young children, especially before the age of 5.

🦛 Hib can lead to dangerous infections like:

• Meningitis (swelling around the brain and spinal cord)

• Pneumonia

• Severe throat swelling (epiglottitis)

• Bloodstream infections

• Joint or bone infections

 These infections can worsen rapidly and, if not treated, can become deadly.

 🦛Hib can spread through coughs, sneezes, or saliva. Even people who do not feel sick can carry Hib in their throat and unknowingly pass it on.

🦛 The CDC recommends these doses:

• First Dose – 2 months

• Second Dose – 4 months

• Third Dose – 6 months  (only for certain vaccine brands)

• Final Dose – 12 to 15 months

Some vaccine brands only need three doses instead of four. Ask your child's pediatrician about the vaccine they administer and the dosage.

 🦛 Before the vaccine, Hib was the top cause of bacterial meningitis in young children. Since then, serious Hib infections have dropped by more than 99% in the U.S. Nevertheless, the bacteria still exists, and it can still cause illness in unvaccinated children.

🦛 Early symptoms can depend on where the infection is located in the body.  These symptoms may include fever, trouble breathing, vomiting, poor feeding, stiff neck, or unusual sleepiness. If you think your child has symptoms of a Hib infection, notify their pediatrician immediately.