[Vaccination against Haemophilus influenzae type b in the Valencia Community: efficacy and failure of vaccinations]. / Vacunación frente a Haemophilus influenzae tipo b en la Comunidad Valenciana: Efectividad vacunal y fallos vacunales. Grupo de Estudio de Enfermedades Invasoras.

OBJECTIVE: To study Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine effectivity and vaccine failures in the Valencian Community of Spain where vaccine can be obtained, but is not scheduled as a routine immunization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective surveillance system where pediatricians and microbiologists of all public hospitals of the Valencian Community reported cases of invasive Hib disease in children (under 15 years of age). Vaccination status (number of doses, dates and type of vaccine) in each case was obtained. RESULTS: Of 23 cases reported from December 1, 1995 to November 30, 1996, two had received at least one dose of Hib vaccine. One was a true vaccine failure and the other an apparent vaccine failure. Estimating a vaccine coverage of 32.5% of the children less than 5 years old, the direct vaccine effectivity was 90.6% (IC 95%: 27.9-98.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Hib conjugate vaccine is effective in the Valencian Community, however, there is still invasive disease due to the low vaccine coverage and some vaccine failures.