A child in Montana died from Hib infection in September, reigniting concerns over vaccine coverage and the preventable nature of this deadly disease.
A child in Montana died in September from complications of Hib infection, the state public health department said in a Monday statement, underscoring the continuing risk from a vaccine-preventable illness that can become life-threatening when it spreads beyond the ears or throat. The Department of Public Health and Human Services said the child had not been vaccinated against Haemophilus influenzae type b, commonly known as Hib.
Hib is a bacterium that can cause a wide range of illness. In some cases it leads only to relatively mild infections, such as ear infections, but it can also trigger invasive disease, including bloodstream infection, pneumonia and meningitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Hib vaccination is the best protection against serious infection and is routinely recommended for all children younger than 5.
The CDC’s recommended schedule calls for doses at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months if needed depending on the vaccine brand, and a booster between 12 and 15 months. It also advises catch-up vaccination for children under 5 who are unvaccinated or not fully vaccinated. Older children and adults generally do not need the Hib vaccine unless they have certain medical conditions that raise their risk.
State officials did not say where in Montana the child lived, but the Phillips and Liberty county health departments posted notices about the death on 1 October. Montana families who need help checking a child’s vaccination record or finding a provider can contact their healthcare professional or local health department, and eligible children can receive Hib and other routine vaccines at no cost through the federal Vaccines for Children programme.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
