What would happen if we stopped Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine?
Before Hib vaccine became available, Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis (infection of the brain lining) in US infants and children. There were approximately 20,000 cases each year. Hib meningitis killed 600 children each year and left many survivors with severe complications. Since the Hib vaccine was introduced in 1987, the number of Hib cases has declined by 98%. Now most doctors finishing training have never seen a case of this once common, devastating disease. If we were to stop vaccinating for Hib, the numbers of cases would again rise. From CDC, National Immunization Program, 2000.
