Although the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine has dramatically reduced invasive Hib disease worldwide,  data on protection against pneumonia and in children with HIV are limited. Researchers from the Manhiça Health Research Centre (CISM) in Mozambique have evaluated the impact of the introduction of the Hib conjugate vaccine in a rural, high-HIV prevalence area of the country in 2009. The results of the study, led by Betuel Sigaúque, was published in The Journal of Pediatrics in July 2013.

Between 2006 and 2011, the researchers conducted hospital-based surveillance for invasive Hib disease and clinical pneumonia (classified as severe and very severe) among children under 5. Incidences calculated using population denominators were then compared between baseline (2006-2008) and post-Hib conjugate vaccination (2010-2011).

In children under 1 and under 5 years of age, significant reductions were observed in rates of both invasive Hib disease (91% and 85%, respectively) and very severe pneumonia (29% and 34%, respectively). "We have demonstrated important reductions in invasive disease and pneumonia following the introduction of the Hib conjugate vaccine in an area with a high prevalence of HIV. Continued surveillance is needed to monitor the long-term effects of this  vaccine, particularly among children with HIV", said Dr. Sigaúque, the principal investigator of this study.

Reference

Sigaúque B, Vubil D, Sozinho A, Quintó L, Morais L, Sacoor C, Carvalho MG, Verani JR, Alonso PL, Roca A. Haemophilus influenzae Type b Disease among Children in Rural Mozambique: Impact of Vaccine Introduction. J Pediatr. 2013 Jul;163(1 Suppl).