- Knowledgebase: Immunization Questions
- Questions about immunizations, side effects, and not vaccinating.
- 17. Why should I immunize my child against HIB? - Top
- The Hib vaccine protects your child against infections by Haemophilus influenza (H. Flu). Dispite the name H. flu, it is NOT a 'flu' it is a bacterial infection. The vaccine protects agains type B, which causes meningitis (life-threatening), periorbital cellulitis (life-threatening), and epigottitis (life-threatening) as well as other infections.
Let me paint you a picture. When I was a Resident at Bowman Gray, in the winter of 1988 I was an Intern. On a typical call night, I would perform perhaps 6 to 10 lumbar punctures on infants and toddlers to rule out meningitis infections. I diagnosed meningitis on my shift, at least weekly. The Hib vaccine had just come out at that time. I would spend my nights during my 2nd and 3rd years in the Pediatric ICU where there would almost always, during the winter, be a baby dying from meningitis.
Now, 12 years later, we don't see much serious Hib disease and we see very little meningitis.
Any vaccine can cause a 'shock' reaction right at the time it is given. Aside from that rare event, I have not in 12 years ever heard of a significant reaction to the Hib vaccine. I fully believe that it is extremely safe. I see no reason or justification for witholding this life-saving vaccine. - Updated: March 14, 2001
-
[e-Mail me the Knowledgebase]- [Search
our Knowledgebase] - [Question Not Answered?]
|
