Immunization - Hib (Haemophilus Influenzae type B)
Haemophilus Influenzae is of many serotypes but one of the most common illness against which vaccine is available is type B. It is responsible for one of the most common cause of pneumonia, ear infection, meningitis. The most worrying thing about this bacteria is if meningitis happens, it leaves a sequelae ranging from language delay, mental retardation, blindness, spasticity, hydrocephalus and hearing deficit. Hib gets transmitted through close contacts, through droplets or through fomites. After the introduction of vaccine, the incidence of epiglottitis which used to be the most common life threatening illness caused by this bacteria has gone down drastically. This vaccine is given alongwith DPT and Polio, therefore, in all 4 doses are given before the age of 1.5 years. The vaccine is safe practically speaking.
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