Immunization Routines for Surgical Splenectomy

Increased risk of infection is a well-documented complication of surgical splenectomy. Vaccination against encapsulated organisms has been shown to reduce the risk of post-splenectomy sepsis secondary to encapsulated organisms. Current recommendations are to vaccinate all splenectomy patients pre-operatively, if elective, or post-operatively in the case of emergencies. In this paper, we have outlined the current recommendations for the timing and administration of vaccinations in splenectomy patients. Due to the complicated nature of the vaccine schedule, consideration should be given to poor compliance and the need for close follow-up and patient education.