Ongoing Control of Haemophilus influenzae Type B Infections in Canadian Children, 2004–2007

Abstract

The uniform use in Canada of a single Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine in combination with diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis, and inactivated poliovirus vaccines (DTaP.IPV/Hib) facilitates ongoing assessment of vaccine effectiveness, including any effects of recently added concurrent vaccinations and increasing time since vaccination. Surveillance at 12 pediatric centers in 2004-2007 indicates that vaccine failures remain rare and case totals approach an irreducible minimum, with no age shift.

Severe Soft Tissue Infection of the Lower Extremity Caused by <i>Haemophilus influenzae</i> (serotype f, biotype II) in an Adult Patient

“…Among the various types of H. influenzae, H. influenzae serotype b (Hib) is the most common and virulent type. By virtue of Hib vaccination, the incidence of Hib infections is decreasing (1)(2)(3). In contrast, the incidence of non-b-type and nontypable H. influenzae infections is increasing (4)(5)(6)(7)(8).…”

Haemophilus influenzae Type B Meningitis in a Previously Healthy Child

“…The patients with vaccine failure during this latter period did not have complete evaluations for immunodeficiency. 9 As a corollary, clusters of unvaccinated children have caused the spread of diseases that had previously been close to eradication. Recently, the largest measles outbreak in a decade occurred in Indiana.…”

Guidelines for the management of suspected and confirmed bacterial meningitis in Canadian children older than one month of age

“…It is worth noting that disease due to other serogroups (ie, non-b) has been increasing in all parts of Canada but particularly in Northern populations. (6)(7)(8) Publicly funded infant immunization programs with heptavalent conjugate vaccines against S pneumoniae (PCV7), which contained the capsular serotypes 4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F, were offered in all provinces and territories by 2005. The incidence of pneumococcal meningitis in the United States and in Canada has decreased significantly in all age groups following the introduction of PCV7.…”