Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) is a vaccine-preventable strain of haemophilus influenzae bacteria. Even with treatment, 3% of Hib meningitis cases occurring in developed countries will be fatal and 10-30% of cases will have permanent neurological complications.
Before vaccination was included on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) in 1992, Hib was the biggest cause of invasive bacterial infection in children in Australia. Since then, the number of Hib infections notified has reduced by 95%.
Our new immunisation reference page includes information on Hib transmission, epidemiology and prevention.