Skip to main page content

For patients who have had a splenectomy

Patients who have had a splenectomy are at increased risk for certain types of infections and developing a more severe illness once acquired. The risk of infection is highest in younger children and patients with another immunodeficiency (e.g. cancer, patients receiving immunotherapy such as steroids). A recent splenectomy has a greater risk than a patient who has received one many years ago.

The predominant organisms responsible for these infections are encapsulated bacteria. These include S. pneumoniae, N. meningitides, and H. influenza. These organisms are responsible for a wide range of diseases but mostly affect the respiratory (pneumonia) and nervous (meningitis) systems. They may also cause an overwhelming infection involving multiple organs (sepsis).

The good news is that there are vaccines that are targeted to prevent infection from the most common infections in a splenectomized patient. These include:

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) also recommends annual influenza vaccine in addition to the pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Hib vaccines, because secondary bacterial infections can lead to severe disease in this patient population. 1-3

Please see the links below for further information on vaccination recommendations in patients with a splenectomy. For any further questions or to schedule your vaccinations please contact us through the MyHealth Portal or by calling (781) 878-5200.