One out of 20 children with meningitis can die. Hib germ also causes a serious infection of the throat near the voice box. This infection is called epiglottitis. This can make it difficult for the child to breathe. Children under 5 years are more likely to get Hib disease.
Children attending child care centres are even more likely to catch it.
Hib germ spreads to others through coughing and sneezing. Many people carry the Hib germ without any signs or symptoms of disease, but they can pass it on to others. The vaccine protects around 90 per cent of children who get all their needles against serious Hib infections. It will not prevent meningitis caused by other germs. Your child should have the first needle at 2 months of age.