Introduction of free Hib immunisation

Western Australia will be the first State to introduce free Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib) immunisation as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Health Minister Keith Wilson said today the vaccine was expected to be added to the schedule from January 1, 1993.

Mr Wilson said Hib immunisation would be given in two doses - together with the first and second dose of the diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough (DTP) vaccine - at two and four months of age.

The Hib vaccine will be available on an individual patient basis from family doctors for children who do not qualify for free Hib immunisation.

"The introduction of the infant Hib vaccine into the routine schedule will enable us to protect children against this serious disease from a very early age," Mr Wilson said.

"The vaccine is expensive, but it has the potential to eliminate Hib meningitis from WA within two years."

About 40 children under five years of age in WA suffer Hib meningitis each year.  About five per cent die, and 15 per cent are left with permanent damage ranging from deafness to cerebral palsy.

The infection rate in Aboriginal children is about six times that of the general community.