Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens
13:47

Opsono-Adherence Assay to Evaluate Functional Antibodies in Vaccine Development Against Bacillus anthracis and Other Encapsulated Pathogens

Published on: May 19, 2020

Fall in Haemophilus influenzae serotype b (Hib) disease following implementation of a booster campaign

S Ladhani1, M P Slack, M Heys

  • 1Immunisation Department, Centre for Infections, Health Protection Agency, 61 Colindale Avenue, London, UK. shamez.ladhan@hpa.org.uk

Archives of Disease in Childhood
|October 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

The Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) booster campaign significantly reduced Hib disease in targeted children, re-establishing herd immunity. However, a rise in cases among unvaccinated toddlers highlights the need for routine Hib boosting.

Area of Science:

  • Public Health
  • Vaccinology
  • Infectious Disease Epidemiology

Background:

  • A rise in invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) cases occurred nationwide after 1999.
  • Hib disease affects all age groups, necessitating targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of a Hib vaccination booster campaign.
  • To assess the campaign's impact on Hib disease incidence in England and Wales.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective monitoring of all invasive H. influenzae cases by the Health Protection Agency Centre for Infections.
  • Collection of vaccine coverage data from primary care trusts (PCTs) for the booster campaign.

Main Results:

  • Booster campaign achieved 71.8% coverage in 6-12-month-olds and 63.2% in 13-48-month-olds.
  • Dramatic reduction in Hib cases within 12 months in targeted age groups.
  • Subsequent decrease in cases among older children and adults, but an increase in unvaccinated 1-3-year-olds post-campaign.

Conclusions:

  • The Hib booster campaign successfully re-established herd immunity in the UK.
  • Increased Hib disease in toddlers post-2004 supports introducing routine Hib boosting at 12 months.
  • Ongoing surveillance and targeted programs are crucial for controlling Hib infections.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae06:32

Assessing Respiratory Immune Responses to Haemophilus Influenzae

Published on: June 29, 2021

An Optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Assay to Quantify Influenza-specific Antibody Titers06:34

An Optimized Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI) Assay to Quantify Influenza-specific Antibody Titers

Published on: December 1, 2017

Related Concept Videos

Vaccinations01:51

Vaccinations

Overview
Streptococcal Pharyngitis01:27

Streptococcal Pharyngitis

Streptococcal pharyngitis, commonly known as “strep throat,” is an acute infection of the oropharyngeal tissues caused by the Gram‑positive Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes). Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets expelled during coughing, sneezing, or talking.Mechanisms of Host Entry and Immune EvasionUpon entering the host, S. pyogenes adheres to the mucosal epithelial cells of the pharynx via surface proteins, notably lipoteichoic acid and the antiphagocytic...
Diphtheria01:28

Diphtheria

Diphtheria is an acute, toxin-mediated infectious disease that primarily affects the upper respiratory tract. It is caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae, a Gram-positive, pleomorphic rod that lacks spore-forming capability and exhibits a characteristic club-shaped morphology under microscopic examination. While C. diphtheriae can asymptomatically colonize mucosal surfaces, clinical disease manifests only when the bacterial strain is lysogenized by a specific β-corynephage. This phage...
Poliomyelitis01:17

Poliomyelitis

Poliomyelitis is caused by poliovirus, a small, non-enveloped, positive-sense RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family and Enterovirus genus. Transmission occurs primarily via the fecal-oral route, often through ingestion of contaminated water or food. The virus initially replicates in the oropharynx and intestinal mucosa, particularly in lymphoid tissues such as the tonsils, Peyer’s patches, and regional lymph nodes. Primary viremia follows, allowing dissemination throughout the body.In most...
Bacterial Meningitis01:24

Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

Introduction
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause: