After splenectomy, which vaccines are recommended?

After splenectomy, which vaccines are recommended?

• A. Immunizations: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis
• B. Annual influenza vaccine only
• C. Measles-Mumps-Rubella vaccine is sufficient
• D. Polio vaccine is the only required immunization

Answer: (A)

After splenectomy, the body loses a key line of defense against encapsulated bacteria, so vaccines that protect against these organisms are essential. The major targets are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis. Immunizing against these pathogens helps compensate for the absence of splenic clearance and reduces the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis. Ideally, these vaccines are given before splenectomy; if that's not possible, they should be administered as soon as feasible after surgery, with boosters according to current guidelines (pneumococcal vaccines in a PCV13 followed by PPSV23 sequence, Hib if not previously given, and meningococcal vaccines such as MenACWY with consideration of MenB). Annual influenza vaccination is also recommended, but it does not replace vaccination against the encapsulated organisms. Measles–mumps–rubella and polio vaccines are important for general immunization, but they do not specifically address the heightened risk from encapsulated bacteria after splenectomy.

After splenectomy, the body loses a key line of defense against encapsulated bacteria, so vaccines that protect against these organisms are essential. The major targets are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Neisseria meningitidis. Immunizing against these pathogens helps compensate for the absence of splenic clearance and reduces the risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis. Ideally, these vaccines are given before splenectomy; if that's not possible, they should be administered as soon as feasible after surgery, with boosters according to current guidelines (pneumococcal vaccines in a PCV13 followed by PPSV23 sequence, Hib if not previously given, and meningococcal vaccines such as MenACWY with consideration of MenB). Annual influenza vaccination is also recommended, but it does not replace vaccination against the encapsulated organisms. Measles–mumps–rubella and polio vaccines are important for general immunization, but they do not specifically address the heightened risk from encapsulated bacteria after splenectomy.