Near Disappearance of Hib Disease in Children
Author Information
Author(s): Kristine M. Bisgard, Annie Kao, John Leake, Peter M. Strebel, Bradley A. Perkins, Melinda Wharton
Primary Institution: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hypothesis
What is the impact of Hib conjugate vaccines on the incidence of invasive Hib disease among children?
Conclusion
The incidence of invasive Hib disease among children aged 4 years or younger has declined by 98% since the introduction of Hib conjugate vaccines.
Supporting Evidence
- Before the vaccine, Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in children under 5.
- Approximately 5% of affected children died from Hib infections.
- Children aged 5 months or younger had the highest incidence of Hib invasive disease.
- Vaccination coverage among children aged 19 to 35 months reached only 90% in 1995.
- American Indian children had the highest incidence rates of Hib invasive disease.
Takeaway
Hib disease used to be very common in young children, but now it's very rare because of vaccines. Vaccinating kids helps protect them and others around them.
Methodology
The study analyzed national surveillance data from 1994 and 1995 to describe the epidemiology of Hi invasive disease among persons of all ages.
Potential Biases
Underreporting of adult Hib invasive disease cases may skew incidence rates.
Limitations
The reliance on passive reporting and lack of serotype data may affect the comparability of results to prevaccine estimates.
Participant Demographics
The study included children aged 4 years or younger and persons aged 5 years or older, with a focus on racial and ethnic differences in disease incidence.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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