QUESTION: Our doctor is strongly recommending that we vaccinate our infant against a disease he calls "Hib", and sometimes "the flu".
We thought flu shots were recommended for older folks, and fear that a powerful vaccine like that could cause serious damage to our child.
Can you help us out of our problem?
ANSWER: The problem will be less difficult to solve once we clear up the meanings of a few terms, and unknot a few misunderstandings.
The name HIB comes from the abbreviation of Haemophilus Influenzae B, the bacteria that is the leading cause of serious, generalized infections in infants and children. This fearful germ can cause many types of infections in our bodies, such as pneumonia, meningitis, cellulitis, pus forming arthritis, and infections of the tissues covering the heart.
The germs are frequently seen in the blood stream, a condition known as bacteremia, which allows the infection to penetrate to every part of the body.
Children under five years of age are most prone to the development of these infections, and about 1 out of every 1000 children will suffer from a HIB disease.
It is most frequent in 6 month to 12 month old infants, and about 65% of all cases occur under the age of 18 months.
It is highly infectious, in these youngsters particularly in groups such as nursery schools and day care centers.
Although we can prevent the spread of the disease to individuals who have been in contact with an infected individual, using an antibiotic called rifampin, it is not 100% effective.
In addition HIB meningitis causes death about 5% of the time, and frequent serious neurological problems often result.
However, the use of HIB vaccinations still remain somewhat controversial, since, although they are safe with minimal side effects, their effectiveness is not as great as we wish it to be.
It is important for you to know that the Immunization Practices Advisory Committee and the American Academy of Pediatrics do recommend that a vaccine, PRP-D (a HIB vaccine linked with diphtheria toxoid) be administered to children at 18 months of age.
So it's not the annual, adult flu shot your physician is advising, and he certainly is right in line with the latest recommendations for your child's care.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
