Dm. Salisbury, THE INTRODUCTION OF HAEMOPHILUS-INFLUENZAE TYPE-B IMMUNIZATION INTO THE UNITED-KINGDOM - PRACTICAL STEPS TO ASSURE SUCCESS, The Pediatric infectious disease journal, 17(9), 1998, pp. 136-139
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine was introduced into the ro
utine childhood immunization program in the UK in October, 1992. The i
mplementation was coordinated on a national basis, taking account of m
arket research of the information needs of both the public and health
professionals. Vaccine distribution arrangements were linked to the sc
heduling of children for immunization, which was implemented through a
national computerized system of calling children for immunization. Al
l children commencing immunization were called for three doses of Hib
vaccine. Children <1 year of age were called back for three doses of v
accine; children >1 but <4 years were called for one dose. No boosters
were given. National coverage from the outset of the campaign exceede
d 90%; it is now 95% and the incidence of invasive Hib infection has d
eclined by >95%. Some of the lessons learned from the UK introduction
may be of relevance to other countries presently considering the imple
mentation of Hib immunization into their routine immunization programs
.