Final answer:
The Hib vaccine, protecting against Haemophilus influenzae type B infections, requires three doses at 2, 4, and 6 months and a booster at 12 to 15 months. It's crucial for preventing severe bacterial infections, such as meningitis, in children under 5 years old.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine requires three doses. The primary series of the Hib vaccine is recommended for all children at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, followed by a booster dose at 12 to 15 months of age. This vaccine is vital to protect against severe infections like meningitis, which can lead to serious complications such as hearing loss or brain damage. While most children develop immunity to the bacterium by the age of five, infants are particularly vulnerable as they do not produce enough protective antibodies.
The Hib vaccine's introduction has significantly reduced the incidence of H. influenzae-caused meningitis, which previously was the primary cause in young children. Since the effectiveness of the vaccine, Streptococcus pneumoniae has emerged as a leading cause of meningitis. Timely vaccination is crucial in preventing serious illness and furthering public health safety.