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Hib vaccine introduced, guidelines on usage given

A new vaccine which protects against Hemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) has been licensed for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Called b-Capsa I, the new antigen is a purified capsular polysaccharide vaccine. It is manufactured by Praxis Biologics and will be dis-, tributed by the Mead Johnson Nutritional Division, Evansville, Ind.

A major cause of serious, invasive infections in infants and children, Hib infection incidence is highest in infancy. The exception is epiglottitis, when the mean age is 44 months. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the national Centers for Disease Control has recommended vaccination for all children 24 months through 5 years, and for those as young as 18 months in high risk groups, such as those in day care centers. Other vaccines which could give protection to children younger than 18 months are being developed and evaluated, according to the CDC.