摘要:Between July 1993 and June 1996, there were 412 cases of invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b(Hib) disease reported to the Hib Case Surveillance Scheme, 71% in children under the age of fiveyears. Meningitis was the most frequent illness reported, followed by epiglottitis, septicaemia andpneumonia. There were 18 deaths. Thirty-four cases were classified as vaccine failures. Thenumber of vaccine failures increased over time and the total number of cases of Hib disease fell,consistent with an increase in Hib vaccine coverage. Based on an estimated vaccine coverage of50% in April 1995, the vaccine efficacy for all vaccines in the period was estimated to be 89%.Invasive Hib is a serious illness of childhood which is being significantly reduced by the use of H ibvaccines, and has the potential to be eliminated from this country. Vaccination providers shouldaim to immunise all children against Hib disease on time and according to the National Health andMedical Research Council Standard Vaccination Schedule