The incidence of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis in children aged less than 5 years in Austria was 9.5/10(5) (n = 42) in the year 1990, 12.4/10(5) (n = 56) in 1991 and 10.4/10(5) (n = 48) in 1992. In each of the other 5-year age groups the incidence was lower than 1/10(5). In 1992 Hib vaccine was registered and recommended for children below 5 years of age. So far no impact of immunisation has been observed on the incidence of meningitis. A new strategy must be found to improve the implementation of immunisation.