When Ashlee Dahlberg’s 8-year-old son, Liam, came home from school with a headache, she never imagined it would be their last evening together. By the next morning, Liam was barely responsive. Doctors discovered his brain and spinal cord were covered in invasive bacteria — he had contracted a rare and aggressive infection known as Haemophilus influenzae (Hib).
Despite being fully vaccinated, doctors believe Liam may have caught the infection from an unvaccinated child. Hib, which is not the flu despite its name, can cause respiratory issues but can also lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis and sepsis.
In Liam’s case, it progressed rapidly. “At that point, there was nothing they could do,” Ashlee said. Within hours, Liam was taken off life support. “I could feel his little heartbeat just fade away.”
Ashlee now channels her grief into advocacy. “I feel I have failed my child because I could not protect him from everything that would cause harm,” she said. She’s urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Before the Hib vaccine was introduced in 1985, the illness often led to severe complications or death, according to pediatrician Dr. Eric Yancy. While the vaccine is 95% effective, it only protects those who receive it.
A GoFundMe honoring Liam describes him as a “bright and smart young boy” and has raised over \$54,000 for medical expenses.
As vaccine hesitancy rises and immunization rates decline, Liam’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating cost of inaction. Ashlee’s plea is clear: “Please, vaccinate your children.”
