Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) disease
The facts
- Prior to the introduction of a Hib vaccine in 1992, Hib bacteria were the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children under five years old in the UK
- A Hib vaccine is available as part of the UK routine immunisation schedule and has significantly reduced the number of cases of Hib disease
- Hib bacteria can also cause other infections such as epiglottitis (rapid swelling of the epiglottis), septic arthritis and otitis media