Hib vaccine to be introduced in India

Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine is a vaccine used for curing disease caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria. It is a pentavalent (five-in-one) vaccine. It will be introduces in 2012 and will replace the DPT and Hepatitis ‘B’ vaccines. The vaccine will be given at the sixth, 10th and 14th weeks.

It will be introduced in India to prevent pneumonia among children,and is an essential component of a strategy to cut child mortality, and immunisation against Hib, measles and whooping cough is the most effective way.

Vaccinations against Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) have decreased early childhood meningitis significantly in developed countries and recently in other developing countries.