The decline of Haemophilus influenzae type b disease in Australia

Between July 1993 and June 1996, there were 412 cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease reported to the Hib Case Surveillance Scheme, 71% in children under the age of five years. Meningitis was the most frequent illness reported, followed by epiglottitis, septicaemia and pneumo...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Communicable diseases intelligence 1997-06, Vol.21 (13), p.173-176
Main Author: Herceg, A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Australia - epidemiology
Child, Preschool
Epidemiologic Methods
Haemophilus Infections - epidemiology
Haemophilus Infections - microbiology
Haemophilus Infections - prevention & control
Haemophilus influenzae
Haemophilus Vaccines
Humans
Infant
Infant, Newborn
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Summary:Between July 1993 and June 1996, there were 412 cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease reported to the Hib Case Surveillance Scheme, 71% in children under the age of five years. Meningitis was the most frequent illness reported, followed by epiglottitis, septicaemia and pneumonia. There were 18 deaths. Thirty-four cases were classified as vaccine failures. The number of vaccine failures increased over time and the total number of cases of Hib disease fell, consistent with an increase in Hib vaccine coverage. Based on an estimated vaccine coverage of 50% in April 1995, the vaccine efficacy for all vaccines in the period was estimated to be 89%. Invasive Hib is a serious illness of childhood which is being significantly reduced by the use of Hib vaccines, and has the potential to be eliminated from this country. Vaccination providers should aim to immunise all children against Hib disease on time and according to the National Health and Medical Research Council Standard Vaccination Schedule.
ISSN:0725-3141