Haemophilus influenzae type b carriage among young children in metropolitan Atlanta in the context of vaccine shortage and booster dose deferral.

Short-term deferral of the Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine booster dose during a recent U. S. Hib vaccine shortage did not result in widespread Hib carriage in Atlanta, as the Hib carriage rate was found to be 0.3% (1/342). Hib colonization was significantly more common among males and day care attendees.