03/23/2026
In light of two recent Hib infections in Florida, one of which was fatal, this week’s Mmunization Monday highlights the Hib (Haemophilus influenza) vaccine. Dr. John breaks down the symptoms of Hib infection and the components of the Hib vaccine, which caused a 99% decrease in the incidence of Hib when it was introduced in 1987. During Dr. John’s training in the 70s, about 20,000 children would be infected with Hib and 1,000 would die each year. Today, the CDC reports less than 50 cases of Hib per year in the US, with 5% (roughly two cases) being fatal. This is why two infections of Hib in one state over a six-month period, where one child died and another was left in a coma, are raising alarms for pediatricians across the country. Both children were unvaccinated and under 3 years old.
If you have questions about Hib or vaccines in general, please reach out to us or your pediatrician. We are here to help.
