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According to the CDC, children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 65 are most at risk for developing Hib. Additionally, Alaskan Natives and American Indians have also been found to be at higher risk for developing invasive Hib disease.
Individuals with certain pre-existing medical conditions may also be at an increased risk. These include persons with:
- HIV infection;
- Cancer who are receiving treatment such as radiation, chemotherapy or stem cell therapy;
- Asplenia;
- Sickle Cell Disease;
- A rare immune disorder known as complement or antibody deficiency syndrome that affects a person’s ability to fight infection.
Other risk factors for the development of Hib include living in crowded households, daycare attendance, the presence of younger siblings, cigarette smoke exposure, and having a lower socioeconomic status.
Currently, adults, especially seniors, over the age of 65 are at highest risk of developing invasive H. influenzae disease. While the incidence of H. influenzae type b has decreased significantly, non-b type and nontypeable H. influenzae disease continue to result in invasive disease and appear to be replacing H. influenzae type b. Hib vaccination does not provide protection against any other form of H. influenzae.
IMPORTANT NOTE: NVIC encourages you to become fully informed about Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) and the Hib vaccine by reading all sections in the Table of Contents, which contain many links and resources such as the manufacturer product information inserts, and to speak with one or more trusted health care professionals before making a vaccination decision for yourself or your child. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice.