What We Do
Despite infant vaccination, the Hib bacterium continues to circulate in the population, and there is a risk of infection for unvaccinated or incompletely vaccinated children.
In this context, Santé publique France’s mission focuses on two main areas: epidemiological surveillance and vaccine-based prevention. These missions are carried out in collaboration with the National Reference Center for Meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae.
Epidemiological surveillance of invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b infections
Santé publique France has established a surveillance program for invasive infections (meningitis and bacteremia) based on the Epibac network, using data reported by hospital microbiology laboratories in mainland France and in the overseas departments and regions (DROM). The objective of this network is to estimate the incidence of bacterial invasive infections in France, track their trends over time, and describe the main epidemiological characteristics of hospitalized patients. It contributes to the evaluation of prevention measures, particularly vaccination programs, implemented at the national level. This system enables the description of trends over time in invasive Haemophilus influenzae infections (all strains combined, including the various serotypes as well as untypable strains).
Learn more about the Epibac network
Specific surveillance of serotype b infections is conducted in collaboration with the National Reference Center (CNR) for Meningococci and Haemophilus influenzae, which receives biological samples or cultures from hospital laboratories. This enables the characterization of strains—including identification of the serotype involved and the antibiotic susceptibility profile—and the performance of bacterial genome sequencing analyses.
Prevention efforts against Haemophilus influenzae serotype b
Santé publique France helps promote vaccination through various tools (website, promotional campaigns, brochures, etc.). The Vaccination Info Service website is the go-to resource on vaccination, providing reliable, scientifically validated answers to questions the public and healthcare professionals may have on the subject.
A section dedicated to vaccination against invasive Haemophilus influenzae serotype b infections is available in two sections—one aimed at the general public and the other at healthcare professionals—to better support them in their practice.
In relation to
Antibiotic resistance
thematic dossier
Antibiotic resistance renders one or more antibiotics ineffective against a bacterial infection. This phenomenon can make it difficult, or even impossible, to treat certain infections.
Vaccination
thematic dossier
Contagious diseases most often affect children at a very young age. Because children are particularly vulnerable, they are a priority target for vaccination programs.
