CDC Reports Decline in Hib Vaccination Rates, Raising Concerns Over Potential Outbreaks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a decline in the vaccination rates for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) among U.S. infants. The percentage of babies receiving the full Hib vaccination series dropped from 78.8% in 2019 to 77.6% in 2021. Hib is a bacterial infection that can lead to severe diseases such as meningitis, pneumonia, and even death, particularly in children. The vaccine, which is typically administered in a series of three to four doses starting at two months of age, has been highly effective in reducing the incidence of Hib-related diseases. However, the recent decline in vaccination rates has raised alarms among health experts, who fear a resurgence of this potentially lethal disease.