Haemophilus B Conjugate (PRP-OMP) Vaccine: What Is Haemophilus Influenzae Type B Vaccine
Content provided by Cerner Multum, Inc.
What is haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine?
Haemophilus influenzae is a serious disease caused by bacteria. It usually strikes children younger than 5 years old. Haemophilus influenzae is spread from person to person. Children and adults may have the bacteria and not know it. If the germs stay in a child's nose and throat, the child probably will not get sick. But sometimes the germs spread into the lungs or the bloodstream, and then Hib can cause serious problems. Hib vaccine exposes the individual to a small amount of the bacteria (or to a protein from the bacteria) and causes the body to develop immunity to the disease.
Before Hib vaccine, Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis among children under 5 years old in the United States. Meningitis is an infection of the brain and spinal cord coverings, which can lead to lasting brain damage and deafness. Hib disease can also cause pneumonia; severe swelling in the throat, making it hard to breathe; infections of the blood, joints, bone, and covering of the heart; and death.
Haemophilus influenzae vaccine (Hib) can help prevent the disease. Many more children would get the disease if vaccination did not occur.
Print This
| Last updated: | August 27, 2004 |
|---|
© 2007, Cerner Multum, INC. Version: 5.02.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, Use of Content Agreement and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
