In asplenia, which vaccines are recommended?

In asplenia, which vaccines are recommended?

• A. HPV and Zoster only.
• B. Pneumococcal, Meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type B only.
• C. Both A and B.
• D. No vaccines are required.

Answer: (C)

Asplenia raises the risk of life‑threatening infection from encapsulated bacteria because the spleen plays a key role in clearing these organisms. Protecting against the main encapsulated pathogens is essential, so vaccines targeting these bacteria are emphasized: pneumococcal vaccines (covering Streptococcus pneumoniae), meningococcal vaccines (against Neisseria meningitidis), and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine. In addition, vaccines that are recommended for age and risk, such as HPV and the shingles vaccine, are advised for patients with asplenia when they are within the appropriate age groups. Together, this approach provides broad protection against the organisms most likely to cause severe disease in asplenia, plus other standard preventive vaccines. Annual influenza vaccination is also recommended to reduce overall infection risk.

Asplenia raises the risk of life‑threatening infection from encapsulated bacteria because the spleen plays a key role in clearing these organisms. Protecting against the main encapsulated pathogens is essential, so vaccines targeting these bacteria are emphasized: pneumococcal vaccines (covering Streptococcus pneumoniae), meningococcal vaccines (against Neisseria meningitidis), and Haemophilus influenzae type B vaccine. In addition, vaccines that are recommended for age and risk, such as HPV and the shingles vaccine, are advised for patients with asplenia when they are within the appropriate age groups. Together, this approach provides broad protection against the organisms most likely to cause severe disease in asplenia, plus other standard preventive vaccines. Annual influenza vaccination is also recommended to reduce overall infection risk.