Traveller vaccination haemophilus influenzae type b

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1];Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Usama Talib, BSc, MD [2]

Overview

Protection against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is not specific to the needs of travelling children. In many countries Hib vaccine is routinely administered in childhood. Missing vaccinations in travellers <5 years of age should be offered according to national recommendations.

Disease cause

The bacterium haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib).

Transmission

Respiratory droplets.

Nature of the disease

Important cause of pneumonia, meningitis, septicaemia, epiglottitis and other potential life-threatening infections primarily in children aged 3 months to 5 years.

Geographical distribution

Prevalent in countries with low coverage of Hib vaccination.

Risk for travellers

The risk is likely to be increased in an environment of low Hib vaccination coverage.

Vaccine

Polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine. In infants 2 or 3 primary doses should be administered, the first dose at 6 weeks of age or soon thereafter. Hib vaccine is not required for healthy children older than 5 years.