Australia’s trusted immunisation experts
26 September 2025 | NewsNew research urges coordinated action to reverse Australia’s declining childhood vaccination rates Read the full article
Haemophilus influenzae type B (HIB) vaccines for Australian Children
Information for immunisation providers
This fact sheet provides information on Hib disease and the available vaccines to assist immunisation providers in the delivery of Hib vaccinations to children.
Disease and epidemiology
Who should be vaccinated?
Vaccines
Haemophilus influenzae is a bacterium that has two forms: capsular and non-capsular. Capsular (typable) forms have a polysaccharide covering that is responsible for the organism’s virulence and stimulation of immunity. There are 6 distinct capsular serotypes: a to f. Of these, type ‘b’ is almost always responsible for serious disease in children, such as meningitis, pneumonia and septicaemia (i.e. invasive Hib disease). Non-capsular (non-typable) forms of Haemophilus influenzae mostly colonise the upper respiratory tract without causing illness. However, non-typable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) can also cause middle ear infection (otitis media) in young children. Haemophilus influenzae vaccines provide protection specifically against infection by the ‘b’ capsular type (Hib).1-3
Risk category
Indigenous Status
Age
Recommended dose(s) of 13vPCV
Recommended dose(s) of 23vPPV*
Without any risk conditions
Non-Indigenous
>65 years
-
Single dose
Indigenous
>50 years
Initial dose, then one repeat (2nd) dose 5 years
Hib is mainly a childhood disease with over 80% of cases worldwide occurring in children aged <5 years. Before Hib vaccination started, Hib was one of the most common bacterial causes of pneumonia and meningitis in children aged between 4 and 18 months, with a high case fatality rate the world over.
Before Hib vaccines were introduced, Hib was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in Australian children. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, especially in remote and rural areas, had a much higher incidence of Hib infection and presented at a younger age than non-Indigenous children. Hib epiglottitis was particularly rare among Indigenous children. A similar pattern is described among other indigenous populations, such as American Indians and Alaskan Natives in the USA and Maori and Pacific children in New Zealand.
Introduction of Hib vaccines led to a remarkable decrease in the incidence of Hib disease in Australia and other countries with vaccine programs.4 Hib vaccine was first added to the National Immunisation Program in Australia in 1993. Introduction of Hib vaccines led to a remarkable decrease in the incidence of Hib disease in Australia and other countries with vaccine programs.4 Hib vaccine was first added to the National Immunisation Program in Australia in 1993.12