Welcome to Hibdisease.com
Hibdisease.com is a comprehensive online resource developed by the National Association of Pediatric Nurse Practitioners (NAPNAP) to promote recognition and education of Haemophilus Influenzae type b, or Hib disease, among parents and healthcare providers.

Hib Vaccine Recalled
On December 12, 2007, Merck announced the recall of several lots of its Hib vaccine PedvaxHIB® and combination vaccine COMVAX® for both Hib and hepatitis B. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has posted a Q&A on their website about the recall. Click here to access this information.

While Hib disease incidence has declined since the introduction of Hib conjugate vaccines in 1987, it continues to pose a serious threat to U.S. children due to the continued circulation of the bacteria in the general population. Before the introduction of Hib conjugate vaccines, Hib was the leading cause of bacterial meningitis and severe pneumonia in U.S. children. One in every 200 children in the U.S. younger than five years of age was affected by the disease. Globally, it is estimated that Hib disease still kills as many as 400,000 children each year.

In the U.S., there are still many childhood cases of Hib disease per year, which can be as devastating for these children as they were for a larger number of children years ago. Hib disease can jeopardize a child's ability to talk, walk or perform daily activities by himself or herself.

NAPNAP has launched Hibdisease.com to (1) remind parents why they need to vaccinate against this lethal disease; (2) encourage diligence among healthcare providers in immunizing against Hib; (3) promote prompt recognition and reporting of Hib cases by healthcare providers.

NAPNAP welcomes you to Hibdisease.com and hopes you enjoy your tour.

NAPNAP promotes optimal health for children through leadership, practice, advocacy, education, and research.