[Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzaetype b; why and how?]

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2020 Sep 3:164:D5059.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

After a development period of around 13 years, in 1993 the vaccination against infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was introduced into the Dutch National Immunisation Programme. Before the introduction of the vaccination, the burden of disease was high; every year around 700 children acquired an invasive Hib infection, half of whom developed meningitis. Of those children with Hib-related meningitis, 2% died and more than 8% were left with severe residual symptoms. Furthermore, at least one-third of those who recovered developed learning and concentration problems. Hib also caused other infections such as epiglottitis, osteomyelitis and arthritis. Initially, the conjugated Hib vaccine PRP-T was given as a separate injection. From 2005 onwards PRP-T was included in the combination DTaP-IPV-Hib vaccine, and since 2011 PRP-T has been part of the DTaP-IPV-Hib-HepB vaccine. Although H. influenzae is still around, invasive Hib infections in children now occur only very rarely.

Publication types

  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Haemophilus Infections / epidemiology
  • Haemophilus Infections / history*
  • Haemophilus Infections / prevention & control
  • Haemophilus Vaccines / history*
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b*
  • History, 20th Century
  • History, 21st Century
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Tetanus Toxoid / history*
  • Vaccines, Combined / history
  • Vaccines, Conjugate / history

Substances

  • Haemophilus Vaccines
  • Haemophilus influenza type b polysaccharide vaccine-tetanus toxin conjugate
  • Tetanus Toxoid
  • Vaccines, Combined
  • Vaccines, Conjugate