Strategies for immunization against invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infection.
Available data on the immunogenicity, safety and efficacy of Hib conjugate vaccines are encouraging and the prospects for having a means to control invasive Hib disease are good. Most of the third generation Hib vaccines seem to prevent invasive Hib disease at a level of efficacy that motivates worldwide mass immunization of infants. The peak incidence of Hib meningitis occurs before the age of 1 year in most industrialized countries and the most desirable time to start vaccination against Hib is at 2-3 months of age. In many countries a Hib conjugate vaccine may ideally be coordinated with the DTP immunization programme. In non-industrialized countries the peak incidence of Hib meningitis occurs earlier than in industrialized countries, which means that in these areas immunization against Hib meningitis should start earlier, for instance at 6 weeks when the first DTP vaccine injection is given in many countries.
Iwarson
S
S
Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Göteborg, Ostra Hospital, Sweden.
D006192:Haemophilus Infections / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006193:Haemophilus influenzae; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000191:economics; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D007117:Immunization, Secondary; D007223:Infant; D014611:Vaccination