Hib vaccination for children
Specialist for pediatrics & adolescent medicine
Hib vaccination: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium that can cause serious illness. In Austria, the Hib vaccination is part of the free vaccination program and is administered as early as infancy as part of the 6 vaccinations.
- Latest update: August 24, 2026
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The Hib component will be included in the 6-fold vaccination administered. Infants receive 3 partial vaccinations at 2, 4 and 11 months of age, premature babies receive an additional dose at 3 months of age.
What is Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)?
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is a bacterium and belongs to the group of Haemophilus influenzae bacteria, with serotype B being particularly aggressive. The bacterium is transmitted via droplet infection when coughing, sneezing or speaking. It can colonize the nasopharynx and from there enter the bloodstream.
If the pathogen spreads in the body, it is an invasive Hib infection. Before the introduction of the Hib vaccination Hib was loud Ministry of Social Affairs one of the Most common causes of bacterial meningitis for children under the age of five.
Symptoms of Hib
Depending on the organ affected, different symptoms can occur with a Hib infection.
Typical symptoms are
- High fever
- strong feeling of illness
- Neck stiffness (possibly with meningitis)
- Vomiting and loss of consciousness as well as general gastrointestinal complaints
- Difficulty swallowing and shortness of breath with inflammation of the epiglottis
- Rapid breathing or coughing (in the case of pneumonia)
What is the course of Hib disease?
Hib infection in infants and young children often begins suddenly and deteriorates rapidly because the immune system is not yet fully mature. These are possible invasive courses of the disease:
1. meningitis (inflammation of the meninges)
Meningitis is a Inflammation of the meninges. In the case of Hib-related meningitis, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and from there reach the meninges.
Typical signs are
High, sudden onset of fever
Vomiting
pronounced irritability or apathy
Neck stiffness in older children
bulging fontanel in infants
Loss of consciousness or seizures can also occur. Despite rapid antibiotic treatment, there is a risk of permanent damage such as hearing loss, developmental delays or neurological impairments.
2. epiglottitis (inflammation of the epiglottis)
Epiglottitis is a Acute bacterial inflammation of the epiglottis, which normally closes the windpipe when swallowing. If this tissue becomes inflamed, it swells considerably. The airways can become dangerously constricted as a result.
Characteristics are:
Very high fever
Severe swallowing difficulties
Increased salivation
Shortness of breath
In addition, children with epiglottitis often sit bent forward to get better air.
ImportantEpiglottitis is considered a medical emergency, as the swelling can cause an acute risk of suffocation.
3. blood poisoning (sepsis)
If Hib bacteria enter the bloodstream, they can cause develop sepsis. The entire body reacts to the infection with an excessive inflammatory response. The disease can worsen very quickly and affect several organs.
Possible symptoms are
Rapidly rising fever
Accelerated breathing
Palpitations
Paleness or cold extremities
General significant deterioration of the condition
Sepsis Requires immediate intensive care treatment, as untreated organ failure can be imminent.
4. pneumonia (lung inflammation)
In case of pneumonia the lung tissue becomes inflamed. Hib can cause pneumonia both in isolation and as part of a systemic infection. The disease does not always manifest itself typically, especially in infants.
Typical are:
Fever
Cough
Rapid or labored breathing
Weak drinking in young children
NoteNot every Hib infection has a severe course. In addition to these severe forms, inflammation of the middle ear or sinuses can also occur. Even if these are usually less dramatic, they show that Hib can affect various organs.
Hib vaccination: At what age is it recommended in Austria?
The Hib vaccination is part of the free childhood vaccination program in Austria and is started early in infancy. According to Vaccination plan Austria starts the basic immunization with the Child vaccination as early as the 3rd month of life, so that children are protected as early as possible from serious illnesses such as meningitis or blood poisoning.
Procedure for Hib vaccination according to the vaccination program
The Hib vaccination is carried out in Austria according to a clearly defined schedule as part of the free child vaccination program. It is part of the 6-fold vaccination. In addition to Hib, the 6-vaccine also protects against Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping cough, Polio and Hepatitis B. The vaccination is carried out by pediatricians, general practitioners and at public vaccination centers.
This is the Recommended vaccination schedule for children with the Hib vaccine:
1st vaccination: in the 3rd month of life (as early as possible)
2nd vaccination: in the 4th to 5th month of life
3rd vaccination: in the 11th to 12th month of life
An additional dose is usually added to the vaccination schedule for premature babies.
Is the Hib vaccination still useful in childhood or as an adult?
After the 5th birthday, a Hib vaccination is normally no longer necessary, as the risk of severe courses is significantly lower in older children and healthy adults. Certain risk groups are an exception, such as people without a spleen, with impaired spleen function or with a pronounced immune deficiency. In such cases, a single vaccination is generally recommended.
Possible side effects of the Hib vaccination
As with every Vaccination reactions can also occur after the Hib vaccination. Frequent vaccination reactions are a sign that the immune system is reacting to the vaccine. These include
Redness, swelling or pain at the puncture site
mild to moderate fever
Tiredness or increased irritability
Temporary gastrointestinal complaints
These symptoms usually occur within the first few days after vaccination and usually subside on their own.
Rare side effects are possible, but much rarer than severe complications of Hib disease.
These include:
High fever above 39 °C
Febrile seizures in infants (usually without permanent consequences)
allergic reactions to components of the vaccine
Frequently asked questions and answers
What is the Hib vaccination?
The Hib vaccination is a vaccination against the Haemophilus influenzae type b bacterium. It protects infants and young children from serious bacterial infections such as meningitis, epiglottitis or blood poisoning and is part of the 6-fold vaccination in the Austrian vaccination program.
How often is Hib vaccinated?
Infants receive the Hib vaccine a total of 3 times. Premature babies receive an additional dose. After complete basic immunization, no further boosters are necessary.
Is Hib influenza B?
Hib and influenza B are not the same thing. Hib stands for Haemophilus influenzae type b and is a bacterium. It has nothing to do with the influenza virus.