HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury

Haemophilus influenzae (Hib)

The germ (bacteria) called Haemophilus Influenza type B is also known as Hib. Hib can cause a range of infections, including:

• ear infections
• pneumonia (infection of your lung)
• meningitis (infection of the covering of your spinal cord and brain)
• epiglottitis (windpipe inflammation that can lead to trouble breathing)
• osteomyelitis (infections of your bones and joints)
• bacteraemia (blood infection)
• cellulitis (skin infection).

These infections can cause serious illness, especially in young tamariki (children).

Hib immunisation is the best protection against Hib. It's part of the free childhood immunisation programme.

  HealthInfo recommends the following pages

• Health Information and Services – Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib)

  This page explains Hib, including complications and immunisation.

• Healthify He Puna Wairoa – Haemophilus influenzae

  More information about Hib.

Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2022.

Sources

Page reference: 49722

Review key: HIHIB-49722