Haemophilus influenzae bacterial infections have no relationship to influenza, which is viral.
The peak incidence of meningitis occurs in children 6 to 7 months of age. Children under 6 months are protected by maternal antibodies and breastfeeding reduces incidence rates.
Without immediate and adequate medical treatment Hib meningitis is a potentially life-threatening disease, and long-term sequelae of infections (hearing loss, learning disabilities can occur.)
Long-term effectiveness of the vaccines has not been determined, and reports of short-term effectiveness vary considerably; however the incidence of disease has dramatically declined since the introduction of the vaccines.
The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults, Randall Neustaedter, OMD
Prior to 1990, H. influenzae type B was the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the U.S. in children under 5 years old. (PedvaxHIB Product Insert)
“We have great concern for the increased prevalence – relatively or absolutely – of penicillin-resistant Pneumococci (Strep) coupled with the increased relative frequency of pneumococcal diseases as a result of universal Haemophilus vaccination.”
From the Journal of Paediatric Infectious Disease (JPID), June 1992 Newsletter
Hib is a Gram (-) bacteria, while Pneumococci is a Gram (+) bacteria. These bacteria keep each other in balance. However, we killed off much of the Hib, thus destroying the balance and have a huge relative increase in Pneumococci, and therefore an increase in Pneumococcal disease and a need for the Pneumococcal vaccine.
Vaccines: The Risks, the Benefits, the Choices, Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, 2nd Ed. (Video)
Streptococcus Pneumoniae (Pneumococcal) is now the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the U.S. (Prevnar product insert)
We created the need for another vaccine from the use of a vaccine. (Tenpenny)