Which statement best describes the Hib vaccine in preventing meningitis?

• A. Hib vaccine is no longer recommended
• B. Hib vaccination is included in meningitis prevention in appropriate populations
• C. Hib vaccine is used only in adults
• D. Hib vaccine replaces pneumococcal vaccination

Answer: (B)

Hib vaccine prevents meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b by inducing antibodies to the type b capsule, stopping invasive Hib disease before it can cause meningitis. Because Hib used to be a common cause of meningitis in young children, the vaccine is included in routine immunization schedules for appropriate populations, starting in infancy and continuing with follow-up doses. It remains recommended for those groups at risk, not only adults and not as something that has been discontinued. It also does not replace pneumococcal vaccination, since those vaccines protect against different organisms and are given as part of separate immunization plans.