Haemophilus influenzae type b

What is haemophilus influenzae type b?

Haemophilus influenzae type b is a bacterium that can lead to serious illness. It is particularly dangerous for children under 5. It can lead to inflammation in the middle ear, lungs and epiglottis with a risk of suffocation. The bacteria can quickly cause life-threatening sepsis or purulent inflammation of the cerebral membrane (“meningitis”), often associated with lasting side effects such as hearing impairment, physical or mental disabilities.

Treatment with antibiotics must be swiftly provided.

Haemophilus influenzae type b is passed on via droplet transmission, through coughs and sneezes, for example. Even healthy people can carry the bacteria – and can then infect others.

Vaccination advice for children

The haemophilus influenzae type b vaccination is part of the free child vaccination programme in Austria. It is part of a six-part vaccination with diphtheria, tetanus, polio, pertussis and hepatitis B.

Vaccination schedule

First vaccination: At 3 months, as early as possible!
Second vaccination: At 4 – 5 months
Third vaccination: At 12 – 14 months
Fourth vaccination: At 7 – 9 years of age

From age 5 onwards, vaccination is no longer necessary except for special risk groups (see vaccination advice for adults).

Vaccination advice for adults

Under normal circumstances, adults do not require a vaccination against haemophilus influenzae b. The vaccination is only recommended for certain at-risk groups, such as people who had their spleen removed, or for those with certain types of immune deficiencies.