{"id":14323,"date":"2022-03-28T21:59:47","date_gmt":"2022-03-28T10:59:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mvec.mcri.edu.au\/?post_type=references&p=14323"},"modified":"2025-09-02T13:39:59","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T03:39:59","slug":"thieu-la-lach","status":"publish","type":"references","link":"https:\/\/mvec.mcri.edu.au\/vi\/references\/asplenia\/","title":{"rendered":"Asplenia v\u00e0 hyposplenia"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background<\/h2>\n

The spleen plays an important role in preventing infection by removing bacteria (particularly encapsulated bacteria) from the blood stream. Individuals with anatomical asplenia (absent spleen) or functional asplenia\/hyposplenia (no function or decreased function) are therefore at an increased risk of infection. In addition to being up to date with National Immunisation Program (NIP) and COVID-19 vaccines<\/a>, individuals with asplenia or hyposplenia are recommended and funded to receive extra vaccines (outlined below).<\/p>\n

The reason for asplenia or hyposplenia may be congenital or due to surgical removal (eg. in the case of trauma). Children with congenital asplenia, cancer<\/a> related asplenia and those with sickle cell anaemia have a higher risk of infection than those who have had splenectomy for trauma.<\/p>\n

Scheduling additional vaccines can be complicated by the cause of asplenia or hyposplenia. Where possible people having a planned splenectomy should ideally receive all additional vaccines at least 2 weeks prior to surgery. This is to ensure optimal protection prior to spleen removal. Those who undergo an unplanned or emergency splenectomy should defer vaccines for at least 7 days following surgery to allow time for recovery.<\/p>\n

Individuals with asplenia\/hyposplenia have a lifelong risk of infection. In addition to vaccination, patients are also recommended to receive prophylactic antibiotics.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>

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Additional vaccine recommendations for children (< 18 years)<\/h2>\n

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    Pneumococcal<\/h3><\/div>
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