For Patients/Families

Haemophilus Influenza type B (Hib)
A bacterium that causes serious bacterial infections such as meningitis and pneumonia. This bacterium is the not the cause of influenza. Influenza is caused by a virus. However, Hib does cause life-threatening disease, especially in young children. These bacteria can cause ear infections, pneumonia. meningitis, possible brain damage, airway obstruction, and upper respiratory and other infections. The vaccine against Hib has proven very effective in reducing disease. For information on the vaccine, see Hib vaccine.