Hib Disease Increasing Among Adults-08/13/2011

Another example of vaccination being safe and effective, the Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccine has been used in children since 1992 to prevent infections such as pneumonia and meningitis. The vaccine has been extremely effective in preventing such infections in children who have been vaccinated. Recently, however, prevalence of Hib disease has seen an increase among adults.  According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), adults with specific health conditions such as sickle cell disease, HIV/AIDS, removal of spleen, bone marrow transplant, or cancer treatment with immune-suppressant drugs need to be protected from Hib by the vaccine.  The following article explains the increase in Hib infections, but does not stress the fact that adults can, in fact, be vaccinated. http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/news/20110811/hib-disease-increasing-among-adults