The Hib vaccine is given in three doses: at 2 months, 3 months and 4 months

Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae type B. The main illness caused by this infection is meningitis: Hib is the commonest form of meningitis in young children. About one in ten children who have this illness will suffer lasting harm, such as:

•   Brain damage, deafness and paralysis
•   Epiglottitis, which is a severe swelling in the throat and difficulty in breathing
•   Pneumonia
•   Blood poisoning
•   Infections of the bones and joints

Before the immunisation was available in the UK, one in every 600 children caught Hib by the time they were five years old. It was responsible for about 65 deaths and 150 cases of brain-damaged children each year.

It is vital to remember that the Hib immunisation only helps protect children against the Hib form of meningitis. It will not protect them against other types of meningitis (meningococcal, pneumococcal or viral). Many parents worry about these kinds of meningitis, but noticing and getting meningitis treated early can lead to a full recovery.

Since the Hib immunisation was first introduced, over 30 million doses have been given world wide without serious side effects. One child in ten will have some redness and swelling at the spot where the injection was given. The swelling subsides in about a day.

• What is immunisation?
• What protection levels do vaccines offer?
• Natural immunity
• The diseases your child can be vaccinated against
• What vaccinations will be offered,when and why
• The vaccination timetable
• Why should I immunise my child?
• What to expect on the day
• What if my baby is premature?
• Contraindications
• Should I have my child vaccinated?
• Can homeopathy be as effective as vaccination?