title: Clinical inquiries. Which vaccinations are indicated after splenectomy?
abstract: Immunization against encapsulated bacterial pathogens decreases the incidence of post-splenectomy sepsis. Pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenzae (Hib) vaccinations are indicated for patients after splenectomy. These immunizations should be given at least 14 days before a scheduled splenectomy, or given after the fourteenth postoperative day (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, based on systematic review of RCTs for the pneumococcal vaccine; SOR: B, based on systematic review of clinical trials for meningococcal and Hib vaccines).
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
authors.forename: Charles W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Webb
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Crowell
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cravens
mesh_terms: D001424:Bacterial Infections / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001428:Bacterial Vaccines / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D013156:Splenectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D001428:Bacterial Vaccines