Haemophilus influenza (Hib) diseases
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is estimated to cause millions of cases of serious disease worldwide and hundreds of thousands of deaths each year among young children. The main clinical manifestations of invasive Hib infections include severe pneumonia and meningitis. Hib vaccines are the only public health tool capable of preventing the majority of cases of serious Hib disease; and in view of their demonstrated safety and efficacy, WHO recommends including conjugate Hib vaccines in all routine infant immunization programmes.
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WHO/Europe supports countries in refining vaccine safety communicationsTo help ministry of health EPI (Expanded Programme on Immunization) managers and health promotion units effectively communicate with the public regarding vaccine safety and efficacy, WHO/Europe has produced a guide entitled “Vaccine Safety Events: managing the communications response”.
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European Immunization Week
Each year in April, EIW promotes the core message that the immunization of every child is vital to prevent diseases and protect life. The goal of the region-wide campaign is to increase vaccination coverage by raising awareness of the importance of immunization.
Read moreData and statistics
Although the age-specific incidence and type of disease vary in different parts of the world, statistics show that about 80% of invasive Hib disease occurs before the age of 5 in all locations.
More data and statisticsPublications
Proven methods and tools to assist national immunization programmes (NIPs) design targeted strategies that increase uptake of infant and childhood vaccinations (2013)
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