CDC published " Licensure of a Haemophilus influenzae Type b (Hib) Vaccine (Hiberix) and Updated Recommendations for Use of Hib Vaccine " in the September 18 issue of MMWR. Some of the information included in the September 18 MMWR is reported here; however, health care providers should read the entire MMWR.

On August 19, 2009, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) licensed Hiberix (GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Rixensart, Belgium), a Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine composed of H. influenzae type b capsular polysaccharide (polyribosyl-ribitol-phosphate [PRP]) conjugated to inactivated tetanus toxoid (PRP-T). Hiberix is licensed for use as the booster (final) dose of the Hib vaccine series for children aged 15 months through 4 years (before the 5th birthday) who have received previously the primary series of Hib vaccination (consisting of 2 or 3 doses, depending on the formulation).

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends Hib booster vaccination for children at ages 12 through 15 months; however, because of the recent shortage of Hib vaccines, many children have deferred the booster dose and therefore require catch-up vaccination. Since Hib vaccine is no longer in short supply, all children can now get the Hib booster shot at age 12 through 15 months.

Vaccination recommendations in this MMWR update the previous advisory on Hib booster administration (June 26, 2009), which advised that children with deferred booster doses receive it at the next regularly scheduled visit. Vaccination providers are now recommended to begin recall of children in need of the booster dose when feasible and monovalent Hib vaccine supply in the office is adequate. Details about the indications and guidance for use of Hiberix are included in the September 18 MMWR. The updated recommendations reflect CDC's assessment of the existing national Hib vaccine supply and will be updated if the supply changes. Updated information about the national Hib vaccine supply is posted on CDC's  Current Vaccine Shortages & Delays web page .

The Hib Vaccine Dose Schedule and Catch-up Immunization Schedule for Hib , available in an easy-to-read format, have also been updated.