Effectiveness of vaccination for Haemophilus influenzae type b

Several cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) infection have been identified in children previously vaccinated against this disease. We have reviewed all cases of Hib in Nottingham, UK, since the conjugated vaccine was introduced into the primary course of childhood immunisations in 1992. Our results show a worrying increase in the frequency of Hib in Nottingham, which is much the same as the national trends. We believe that the medical profession should be aware of the return of Hib, and that we now need to review the need for a booster vaccination for what was thought to be a disease of the past.