H. influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine--controversies

Hib vaccine is the 8th vaccine knocking at the door to be included in the EPI the world over. However there are some controversies that need to be addressed, especially when it comes to use of this vaccine in India. It is difficult to culture Hib unless one uses sheep blood enriched media for culture. There is a lack of good community based data on Hib burden in India. This makes many feel that Hib is rare in India. However this is not true. There are many studies that have looked at this closely. Hib is a common cause of meningitis and pneumonitis in children less than 5 years old in India. There is wide spread problem of multi-drug resistance by Hib in India. Mortality of meningitis is as high as 100% if third generation cephalosporins are not used in time. Of the survivors of meningitis, 60% develop long-term sequelae. Hib vaccine is very effective and can lead to 99% reduction with mass vaccination in just 2-3 years. It is also a very safe vaccine. Of the conjugated vaccines available in India all are equally effective and safe and there is nothing to choose one over the other. There is a need to give a booster dose at 15-18 months of age. Even UK, which never gave the booster dose, is seriously thinking of changing their practice and give a booster dose. Lastly the combination vaccines of Hib with IPV, DPwT/DPaT, and Hepatitis B are safe and effective and should be encouraged to improve the compliance. The use of Hib vaccine is recommended in India, for those who can afford the vaccine.