Adult vaccine
Vaccines Without a Spleen
People without a working spleen need extra vaccines — especially against pneumococcus, Hib, meningococcus and flu — because they are more prone to serious infection.
What it protects against
Extra vaccines protect people who have had their spleen removed or whose spleen does not work properly against certain serious bacterial infections, particularly pneumococcal, Hib and meningococcal disease, plus yearly flu.
Who it's for
People without a spleen (for example after surgery) or with a non-functioning spleen, such as in some blood conditions, who are at higher risk of overwhelming infection.
How it works
The vaccines build protection against bacteria that the spleen would normally help fight. They are given alongside other measures such as standby or long-term antibiotics and prompt treatment of infections.
Safety
Safety and side effects
These are standard, safe vaccines. Because infection can be sudden and severe in people without a working spleen, staying up to date and carrying a medical alert and antibiotics as advised is important.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
Vaccines Without a Spleen: frequently asked questions
Why do people without a spleen need extra vaccines?
The spleen helps fight certain bacteria, so without it people are more vulnerable to sudden, serious infections. Extra vaccines against pneumococcus, Hib, meningococcus and flu reduce this risk.
Do I need antibiotics as well as vaccines without a spleen?
Often yes. Many people without a working spleen are advised to take preventive antibiotics or keep standby antibiotics, and to seek urgent care for any signs of infection, alongside staying up to date with vaccines.
Related
Other adult vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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