PHOTOS: Top 10 Health Stories of 2008 Dec 25, 2008
The FDA approved a single vaccine (Pantacel) for active immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, poliomyelitis, and Haemophilus influenzae type b. The vaccine combo means children get fewer shots and parents spend less money on vaccinations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend 23 vaccine injections for kids by the time they turn 2 years old. (Fox News)
The Malaria Vaccine Explained Dec 12, 2008
The malaria vaccine was also studied in combination with the standard vaccines that infants typically receive against diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b to ensure that the malaria vaccine did not interfere with these vaccines. Despite the fact that the vaccine does not provide 80 to 90% protection that would be hoped for, this vaccine is the best candidate to date that has been tested in Africa. (UN Dispatch)
Docs on alert during meningitis shot shortage Nov 21, 2008
Officials are most concerned about bacterial meningitis and sepsis, a bloodstream infection, caused by Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) in children under age 5 because of the high risk of death or serious complications, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention epidemiologist Mike Jackson said. Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissue surrounding the brain and spinal cord, and can be caused by viral or bacterial infections. (MSNBC -- Health)
CDC Monitors Shortage of Hib Vaccine Nov 21, 2008
Though the agency has yet to see an increase in cases, the stepped-up surveillance was prompted by a disruption in the supply of vaccine that has virtually eliminated Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b) infections since it was introduced in 1988. Hib infection can cause a variety of illnesses, including meningitis (inflammation of the membranes covering the spinal column and brain), blood stream infections, and pneumonia, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (U.S. News & World Report)
Better Tracking of a Childhood Infection Needed, Officials Say Nov 21, 2008
Federal officials urged doctors and state health agencies on Thursday to be more vigilant for suspected cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type B in children under age 5, in part because of a continuing vaccine shortage that is not likely to be resolved until the middle of next year. Haemophilus influenzae type B, or Hib, a bacterium that is distinct from the influenza virus, can on rare occasions be deadly, invading the lining of the brain, bloodstream or lungs. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Health)
Russia Chooses Inactivated Polio Vaccine from Sanofi Pasteur for Primary Immunization of all Infants Nov 12, 2008
" Four-million doses of IPV IMOVAX Polio(TM) have been delivered to date, ensuring that a complete birth cohort (approximately 1.3 million babies are born every year in Russia) can receive the recommended three doses of IPV vaccine. "The Chumakov Institute was the first to produce oral polio vaccine which was instrumental in eradicating poliomyelitis in Russia," said Academician Sergey Drosdov, Senior Scientific Advisor of M.P. Chumakov Institute of Poliomyelitis and Viral Encephalitides Russian... (Canada Newswire)
Pakistan introduces vaccine to prevent top child killer Nov 1, 2008
This month, Pakistan is introducing a new combination vaccine that will protect its children against the bacterium Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and four other common childhood diseases. Hib, a bacterium that can cause deadly meningitis and pneumonia, is one of the top killers of young children in the developing world. (EurekAlert!)
3.4m deaths averted through GAVI-funded immunisation programmesGeneva, Switzerland (PANA) - Some 3.4 million deaths will be avertedin the world's poorest countries through immunisation funded bythe GAVI Alliance between 2000 and 2008, according to new datareleased by the World Health Organization (WHO) and obtained by PANAhere Wednesday. 29/10/2008 Full Text... Oct 29, 2008
The cumulative number of children benefitting from three doses of Hib vaccine (Haemophilus influenzae type B) is projected to rise to 41. 7 million by the end of 2008, up from an estimated 28. (Panapress.com)
State third in infant immunizations Sep 9, 2008
Hawaii also has exceeded the Healthy People 2010 goal to achieve vaccination coverage above 90 percent for the recommended doses of diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, measles-mumps-rubella, polio and varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, the DOH said. "Immunizations are our children's best defense against diseases like pertussis and measles," state Health Director Chiyome Fukino said in a news release. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Most U.S. Kids Getting Recommended Vaccinations Sep 6, 2008
According to the CDC, the recommended vaccines include four doses of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis vaccine (DTaP); three doses of polio vaccine; one or more doses of measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR); three doses of Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine (Hib); three doses of hepatitis B vaccine; and one or more doses of varicella, or chickenpox, vaccine. According to the CDC, vaccinations should start shortly after birth and continue to age 2. (MEDLINEplus)
Childhood Vaccination Rates High Sep 5, 2008
At least three doses of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. At least three doses of the B vaccine. (WebMD)
Alternative Vaccination Schedules Aug 12, 2008
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Pneumococcal (PCV). (Suite101.com)
Vaccines and Vaccine-Preventable Di... Aug 12, 2008
The haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is available in two brands: ActHib by Sanofi-Pasteur and PedVaxHib by Merck. The pneumococcal (PCV) vaccine is available in only one brand: Prevnar by Wyeth. (Suite101.com)
Pneumonia: Indonesia's forgotten child killer Jul 3, 2008
Another main cause of childhood pneumonia is Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), which together with pneumococcus is also a main cause of meningitis. A recent study proved the Hib vaccine to be a highly cost-effective option in Indonesia. (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Editorial)
The AAP gets tough on vaccine dissenters Jun 29, 2008
Sanofi Pasteur's five-in-one shot is for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and illness due to Haemophilus influenzae type b, or HiB.. But parents who are already asking doctors to unbundle the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine because they want their child to have individual vaccines aren't likely to embrace a five-shot cocktail. (Chicago Tribune)
Group advises adding multiple vaccines for kids Jun 28, 2008
Pentacel was licensed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration last week for immunization against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis or whooping cough, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib. "The vaccine is indicated for the first four doses of the components in the vaccine at ages 2, 4 and 6 months, and a 15-18 months booster as a primary series," the CDC said in a statement. (Reuters)
U.S. panel gives OK to 2 new combo vaccines Jun 27, 2008
Also getting approval was Sanofi Pasteur's five-in-one shot for diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and illness due to Haemophilus influenzae type b, or HiB. It costs about $69. Youngsters get four doses by age 2. (MSNBC -- Health)
Tiny splashes May 27, 2008
A baby's early vaccinations protect against infections such as diphtheria, pertussis and HiB (Haemophilus influenzae type B). "These are transmitted in the air, so swimming pools do not carry a greater risk of infection than anywhere else," he says. (Guardian Unlimited)
Tool creates personalized catch-up immunization schedules for missed childhood vaccinations May 21, 2008
The vaccines included in the scheduler are those required between birth and six years of age: Hepatitis B, Rotavirus, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Pertussis, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Pneumococcal, Inactivated Poliovirus, Measles/Mumps/Rubella, Varicella, Hepatitis A and Meningococcal. Influenza is contained in the recommended schedule, but is not included in the scheduler. (EurekAlert!)
Bill Would Allow Parents To Opt Out Of Vaccines May 2, 2008
"Two months after that he had the DTap [diptheria, tetanus and pertussis], HiB [haemophilus influenzae type B], IPV [polio], and Prevnar [which prevents against certain pneumococcal diseases], all in one day. That was the straw that broke the camel's back. He was completely gone after that." Over the past four years, Ferrara said she has absorbed so much more information about the contents of vaccines and their potential to cause serious side effects and even death. "I do not feel that I was... (Suffolk Life Newspapers, NY)
A vaccine program vanquishes a type of childhood meningitis Mar 15, 2008
The vaccine, known as Hib, protects against haemophilus influenzae type B, a bacterium that can inflame the lining of the brain or cause pneumonia. Each year, it kills 386,000 children globally. (International Herald Tribune -- Health)
Bus driver hospitalized with infection Feb 8, 2008
Bus driver hospitalized with infection FROM STAFF REPORTS 02/08/2008 DINWIDDIE No children were at risk of infection from a confirmed case of Haemophilus influenzae Type B (Hib) contracted by a Southside Elementary School bus driver. On Tuesday, the state Department of Health told Dinwiddie County Public Schools that a bus driver being treated at Southside Regional Medical Center had the infection. (Petersburg Progress Index, VA)
Show may spread false message about vaccines Feb 8, 2008
Another severe vaccine-preventable disease among young children is Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Before vaccine was introduced, this pathogen was the leading cause of meningitis and other severe invasive infections among children; now cases of invasive Hib disease have virtually disappeared. (WWalker County Messenger, GA)
Infant vaccine against meningitis shows promise Jan 9, 2008
Meningitis cases in children under 2 fell from about 20,000 a year to roughly 1,500 after the introduction of a vaccine against the bacteria Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib, in 1990. Prevnar, a vaccine approved in 2000 that targets the meningitis-causing pneumococcus bacteria, has further reduced illness from the disease, Harrison says. (USA Today)
State asks delay in Hib vaccine booster shots Dec 25, 2007
The order from the Department of Public Health, issued last week, is designed to ensure that there is enough vaccine to provide infants with a basic level of protection against Haemophilus influenzae Type B, a potentially lethal bacterial infection known more commonly by its medical shorthand, Hib. "We don't want some children in parts of the country not to get the primary series" of Hib vaccinations, said Dr. Alfred DeMaria, the state's director of communicable disease control. (Boston Globe)
Doctors should defer booster shots of vaccine-CDC Dec 20, 2007
Merck (MRK.N: , , ) recalled its vaccine against Hib disease (Haemophilus influenzae type b) after quality-control checks found production equipment may not have been properly sterilized. Hib disease used to be the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children less than 5 years old, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Reuters)
Vaccine Recall: What Parents Need to Know Dec 20, 2007
Merck is pulling 11 lots of PedvaxHIB and two lots of COMVAX. PedvaxHIB is a vaccine that protects against infection with haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), the bacteria that causes meningitis, pneumonia, and bloodstream infections. The COMVAX vaccine protects against haemophilius B and hepatitis B, a virus that can cause liver disease. (Time.com)
Hib vaccine shortage poses no serious threat, officials say Dec 14, 2007
The vaccine protects against Haemophilus influenzae Type B, known as Hib. Most children are not harmed by it, but on rare occasions it can invade the lining of the brain, the bloodstream, or the lungs - causing meningitis, sepsis, or pneumonia, possibly leading to brain damage or death. (Boston Globe)
Full Story >> Dec 14, 2007
The Bladen County Health Department pulled 20 doses of the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine from its inventory on Thursday after a voluntary recall of the vaccine. The recall involved 10 lots of the Hib vaccine and two lots of a combination Hib and Hepatitis B vaccine. (Elizabethtown Bladen Journal, NC)
Merck recalls 1.2 mln doses of children's vaccines Dec 13, 2007
The vaccines protect against Hib disease (Haemophilus influenzae type b), which used to be the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children less than 5 years old, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Merck said it recalled 11 lots of PedvaxHIB vaccine and two lots of its Comvax vaccine due to lack of assurance of product sterility. (Scientific American)
Common Infant Vaccine Recalled Dec 13, 2007
The company voluntarily recalled two lots of the Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine ... Gerberding noted that Haemophilus influenzae type B is a bacteria and has nothing to do with influenza virus. (Forbes)
African measles deaths fell 91 percent, WHO says Nov 30, 2007
5 billion for a wide range of immunization efforts in 76 poor countries, announced yesterday a plan to give $370 million to countries immunizing against Haemophilus influenzae type b, which causes severe infections including pneumonia and meningitis. But to reach its goal of reducing measles deaths to 75,000 a year by 2010, officials said they must intensify their efforts in South Asia, particularly India and Pakistan. (Boston Globe)
Number Of Cases Of Most Vaccine-preventable Diseases In US At All-time Low Nov 16, 2007
The diseases were diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, poliomyelitis, measles, mumps, rubella (including congenital rubella syndrome), invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), acute hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella (chickenpox), Streptococcus pneumoniae and smallpox. For eight diseases for which a vaccine was licensed or recommended prior to 1980, the comparison of the period before national vaccination recommendations vs. the 2006 number of reported cases shows greater than 99 percent... (Science Daily)
Vaccines cut disease deaths by 99 percent Nov 14, 2007
Sandra Roush of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and colleagues examined the illness and death rates for 13 vaccine-preventable diseases diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), acute hepatitis B, hepatitis A, varicella (chickenpox), Streptococcus pneumoniae and smallpox. Chart. (MSNBC -- Health)
State offers a plethora of information Oct 2, 2007
Children going into preschool or childcare should also receive the Hib (haemophilus influenzae type b) vaccination. Students in grades 7-12 are required to get the meningococcal vaccine as are college-bound students. (Beacon Villager, MA)
U.S. Teens Fall Short on Vaccine Coverage Sep 1, 2007
The diseases are diphtheria; tetanus; pertussis (whooping cough); polio; measles; mumps; rubella (German measles); Haemophilus influenzae type b; hepatitis B; and varicella (chickenpox). Because of the high levels of vaccination, these diseases are present at very low levels in the United States, Wharton said. (MEDLINEplus)
Immunization Rates High For U.S. Kids Aug 31, 2007
Those children got four doses of the diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine; three doses of the polio vaccine; one or more doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine; three doses of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine; three doses of the hepatitis B vaccine; and one or more doses of the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine. The percentage of children aged 19-35 months who got all recommended doses of those six vaccines is similar to the 2005 percentage. (CBS News)
Mass., Boston top vaccination compliance lists Aug 31, 2007
The CDC-recommended series consists of four doses of vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; three doses of polio vaccine; inoculations against measles, mumps and rubella; three doses of a vaccine to prevent haemophilus influenzae type B, or Hib; three doses of hepatitis B vaccine; and one or more doses of vaccines against chickenpox. The immunizations begin with infants and continue through a child's second birthday. (Boston Globe -- Local)
African researchers test new TB vaccine Jul 31, 2007
The researchers will study data from 471 HIV-negative four-month-old babies to determine the level of immune response it triggers at particular dosing levels and how it interacts with other vaccinations, such as those for diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), which causes pneumonia and meningitis. South African researchers are also conducting trials with HIV positive adults, as one third of the world's HIV positive population also has TB. "The... (SciDev.net)
Test Case Linking Vaccines and Autism Reaches Federal Court Jun 5, 2007
With the addition of more vaccines -- for Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and hepatitis among others -- to the typical regimen in the 1990s, children were exposed to more and more mercury. "We were set up for disaster," says Cheryl Gaudino of Attleboro, Mass. (Law.com)
GlaxoSmithKline Files Meningococcal Conjugate Vaccine Mar 30, 2007
EMEA Article 58 to speed availability in Africa's Meningitis Belt, Middle-East and North Africa RIXENSART, Belgium, March 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- GlaxoSmithKline announced today the submission of a regulatory file to European Medicines Agency (EMEA) under Article 58 for the combination vaccine candidate Globorix(TM) (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitides serogroups A and C) ... Globorix(TM) is intended for use in African... (PR Newswire)
The sting in the needle Mar 29, 2007
Booy says the evidence to date suggests that no new disease-causing strains for meningococcal, pneumococcal or the meningitis-causing Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) bacteria - against which Australia has been immunising since 1993 - have arisen to take the place of those knocked out by vaccines. "Over 10 to 15 years we haven't seen replacement," he says. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Fact or fiction: Health myths exposed Mar 16, 2007
Vaccines are responsible for the control of many infectious diseases that were once common in this country, including polio, measles, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), rubella (German measles), mumps, tetanus, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). Myth: Birth defects cannot be prevented. (Cadillac News, MI)
Campbell County schools to hold kindergarten pre-registration April 19 Mar 11, 2007
A certificate, signed by an authorized medical professional, must be submitted verifying adequate immunization as follows: at least three doses of DTP vaccine, three doses of polio vaccine, two doses of measles vaccine, one dose of rubella vaccine, one dose of mumps vaccine, Hepatitis B a minimum of three doses, one dose of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine, two four doses (dependent on age at first dose) of Pneumococcal vaccine, and Haemophilus Influenzae Type b (Hib) vaccine. This vaccine is... (Brookneal Union Star, VA)
MMR, chicken pox vaccines work for preemies Mar 5, 2007
For instance, a change in the types of vaccine used in the UK apparently resulted in an increase in Haemophilus influenzae type b infections, like bloodstream infection or meningitis, in children. Children born prematurely appeared to be particularly at risk for this, alluding to potential problems this population may have with responding to vaccines. (EurekAlert!)
Eczema, Wheeze Unrelated to Infants' Vaccine Status Feb 14, 2007
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Vaccination against diphtheria, pertussis (whopping cough), polio virus, tetanus and Haemophilus influenzae type b in the first 6 months of life seems to have little effect on the development of eczema or recurrent wheeze at one year, Dutch researchers report ... A standard vaccination schedule was defined as three diphtheria, pertussis, poliomyelitis, tetanus, or Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccinations in the first 6 months of life, with the first vaccine given... (MEDLINEplus)
Sanofi-aventis 2006: In a Difficult Environment, Another Year of Growth in Adjusted EPS Excluding Selected Items Feb 13, 2007
Pentacel vaccine protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). According to the current Recommended Childhood and Adolescent Immunization Schedule from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), up to 23 injections are needed through 18 months of age. (PR Newswire)
Time for child immunizations Jan 29, 2007
For children younger than 5, shots against Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) also are required. Would you like to respond to this story. (Mail Tribune, OR)
5-in-1 childhood vaccine endorsed Jan 27, 2007
The vaccine is meant to prevent diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and bacterial infection caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, or Hib. Hib disease can cause meningitis, pneumonia and arthritis. (CNN -- Health)
BioVeris Completes Additional Vaccine License Jan 26, 2007
New License Adds Neisseria meningitidis group Y and Haemophilus influenzae type b to Bioveris's Vaccine Candidate Portfolio GAITHERSBURG, Md ... BioVeris received an exclusive, worldwide license to certain patent rights and know-how to use Neisseria meningitidis group Y and Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) components in new vaccine candidates for the prevention of invasive disease, including meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. (PR Newswire)
Bacterial Meningitis at Greece High School Jan 24, 2007
Bacterial meningitis is usually caused by one of three types of bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae. There is now a vaccine to prevent the most common mode of infection, Hib. (WOKR13 Rochester)
more » Jan 9, 2007
A recent study found that the immunization rates for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine or the hepatitis B vaccine were the same in children with diabetes as in children without diabetes. Although the incidence of diabetes is increasing throughout the world, the increase has occurred in countries with or without the introduction of new vaccines. (Searcy Daily Citizen, AR)
CLARK COUNTY: Vaccination rate lags Jan 7, 2007
Vaccinations cover recommended dosage levels for diptheria, tetanus, pertusis, polio, measles, haemophilus influenzae type B, hepatitis B, and varicella chicken pox. Source: Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Las Vegas Review-Journal -- Nevada News)
Meningitis: What you need to know? Jan 6, 2007
Before the 1990s, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis, but new vaccines being given to all children as part of their routine immunizations have reduced the occurrence of invasive disease due to H. influenzae. Today, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis are the leading causes of bacterial meningitis. (Food Consumer)
New bill to require California girls to take HPV vaccine Jan 4, 2007
If passed, AB 16 would add the HPV vaccine to California's immunization requirements, which currently includes measles, mumps, polio, tetanus, rubella, whooping cough, diphtheria, hepatitis B, chicken pox and haemophilus influenzae type B. Additionally, AB 16 would be the only required immunization in the state to target a specific gender and the only one aimed at a virus contracted solely by genital contact. While the vaccine now costs approximately $360, Lieber said she has talked to different... (U-Wire.com)
