Immunization with Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) Conjugate Vaccine following Discharge from Hospital

Abstract.

Background:

This study was undertaken to ascertain Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccination status following discharge from hospital and to determine the time taken to vaccinate with Hib conjugate vaccine following hospital discharge of unvaccinated children.

Materials and Methods:

Population-based cross-sectional survey involving children aged 3–59 months admitted to a hospital with laboratory confirmed invasive H. influenzae disease.

Results:

Of 51 eligible children, 42 (82%) had not received Hib conjugate vaccine prior to admission. No children were immunized prior to discharge. Vaccination following discharge took an average of 110 days (range 3–441 days). More than one quarter (28%) remained unvaccinated following discharge. If these children had been immunized, immunization coverage among this group of children would have increased significantly from 73% to 98% (p = 0.0017).

Conclusion:

In the immediate post-Hib conjugate vaccine period, delayed immunization after discharge was identified. This reduces the individual and community benefits of immunization.