The most effective way to prevent your child getting epiglottitis is to make sure that their vaccinations are up to date.
Children should receive their Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) as part of the combined DTaP/IPV/Hib vaccination. This also protects against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough.
Children should receive three doses of the vaccine: one when they are two months, one when they are three months and one when they are four months old. This is followed by an additional ‘booster’ shot at the age of 12 months.
Children from developing countries may not have received the vaccination. Children who have immigrated into the UK should take part in the UK immunisation programme. Contact your GP if you are not sure whether your child’s vaccinations are up to date.
Read more about the childhood vaccination schedule.
A person in close contact with someone who has epiglottitis may also be given antibiotics to reduce the chance of the infection being passed on to them.
