Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a bacterium that infects the lining of the brain, causing meningitis. Children with meningitis often have fever, stiff neck and drowsiness.

Symptoms can progress to include coma and death. Some children recover from the disease but are left permanently paralyzed, deaf, blind or mentally impaired. Hib can also cause bloodstream infection (sepsis), pneumonia, cellulitis, arthritis and epiglottitis.

More Diseases Caused by Hib

• Sepsis (bloodstream infection)
• Epiglottitis (severe swelling of the epiglottis, a tissue that closes off the windpipe during swallowing)
• Arthritis (infection of the joints)
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)
• Cellulitis (most commonly involving the side of the cheek, called buccal cellulitis)

Hib bacteria are passed from child to child through droplets of saliva expelled when an infected child coughs or sneezes. Hib also spreads among children when they share toys and other things that they have put in their mouths.

Side Effects of Hib Vaccine

Mild problems following Hib vaccination are uncommon. If they occur, they usually begin soon after you or your child receives the shot. They can last up to 2 or 3 days, and include:

• Redness.
• Warmth.
• Swelling.
• Fever.