Haemophilus influenzae type B invasive disease in urban and rural children: immunization patterns and prevalence of disease.
To examine the impact of the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) conjugate vaccine, we reviewed the incidence of Hib invasive disease in the state of Florida from 1984 to 1992. We analyzed the incidence of disease in two populations of children, one residing in an urban area and the other in a rural area. This study was designed to compare incidence rates prior to and following the introduction of Hib vaccine for children. Our data show a > 80% decrease in the incidence of Hib invasive disease in the state of Florida and a similar decrease in both the urban and rural populations examined. Analysis of the data revealed that the majority of children contracting Haemophilus influenzae type b invasive disease in both populations were either not immunized or were only partially immunized.