The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends Hib booster vaccination for children at ages 12 through 15 months; however, because of a recent shortage of Hib vaccines, many children have deferred the booster dose and therefore require catch-up vaccination. Recently, the ACIP revised it guidance on Hib booster dose administration based on increasing vaccine supplies. Although supply is sufficient to reinstate the booster dose and begin catch-up vaccination, supply is not yet ample enough to support a mass notification process to contact all children with deferred Hib booster doses.

Additional resources:

• Updated Recommendations (MMWR June 26, 2009)
• CDC Q&A for Providers about the Return to the Hib Booster Dose

Hib-related memos from the North Carolina Immunization Branch:

• (10/7/09) Availability of Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine Product
• (6/29/09) Reinstatement of Hib Booster
• (1/18/08) Temporary Suspension of Requirements for Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine