Hib epiglottitis despite fully vaccinated status

The introduction of an effective vaccine has markedly reduced the incidence of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) disease. However, vaccination failure can occur, and this report describes one such case in a previously healthy 4-year-old girl, who became severely unwell with Hib epiglottitis. She had received a full course of Hib vaccine administered via the buttocks. This site has been associated with reduced immunogenicity compared to vaccination by injection into the thigh or deltoid muscles. Current recommendations are to avoid gluteal injection for all vaccinations.