Report from the CDC, Recent Increase in Hib Disease in Children 0-5 yrs old

For families who have been following an alternative vaccination plan, this item might be of interest to you. I am not pushing any philosophy here - just providing info for families to consider. I received this notice from our pediatrician's office yesterday... [UPDATE: SEE REPLY TO VACCINE POST ON 4-12-09]

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) announced that five cases of Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) invasive disease were confirmed in 2008 in Minnesota. Of the 5 babies who contracted the disease, 3 patients had received no vaccinations due to parent deferral or refusal of vaccinations. One healthy infant who was unimmunized was 7 months old and died of Hib disease.

Hib disease is a severe bacterial infection, occurring primarily in infants and children under 5 years. It can be the cause of meningitis, pneumonia, sepsis, epiglotittis (a severe throat infection), skin infections, and arthritis. It can be serious in children under age 1, but there is little risk of getting the disease after age 5. Transmission is most likely through respiratory droplets (coughing and sneezing). http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd- vac/hib/default.htm

Hib meningitis can result in death in one out of 20 children, and permanent brain damage in 10% - 30% of the survivors.

Before widespread use of the Hib vaccine, Hib disease contributed to 20,000 deaths in small children/year in the U.S.

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If your child has been receiving regular checkups and is following the recommended schedule of vaccination there is no need to worry. Hib vaccine is recommended for all infants and is provided as a 3 dose series in the form of Pentacel (combination vaccine of DTaP, Hib, and IPV) at 2, 4, and 6 months. A booster dose after 12 months is also recommended. http://www.townandcountrypeds.com/test_tips_wellExam. htm

Although Hib bacteria are present normally in the community, vaccines given to infants can significantly decrease its communicability.

*With decreasing rates of immunization due to parental refusal, we are currently experiencing resurgence of these bacteria in our community. This is also referred to as herd immunity.

We understand that some parents are apprehensive about vaccinating their children. This is a timely and stern reminder for those hesitant about agreeing to follow the vaccination schedule published by the CDC.

Hib disease is nearly preventable with timely and complete vaccination.

If you have been following an alternative schedule, please take the time to think about fully vaccinating your infant or small child. Call the office for an immunization appointment today.

Halsted Office (312) 279-8900
Glenview Office (847) 998-8806
Lincoln Office (773) 478-1067

Town and Country Pediatrics, S.C.
email: jenniferh@townandcountrypeds.com
phone: 312-279-8900
web: http://www.townandcountrypeds.com