Pneumococcal, Hib and meningococcal vaccinations are recommended and funded for individuals with anatomical or functional asplenia because asplenia reduces their ability to mount an immune response against encapsulated bacteria (Haemophilus influenzae type b, Neisseria meningitidis, and Streptococcus pneumoniae). They are at risk of developing overwhelming infection from these bacteria.

Influenza vaccination is also recommended and funded for an individual with asplenia because influenza infection increases an individual’s risk of acquiring a secondary viral or bacterial infection, particularly from Streptococcus pneumoniae.

For further information, including information for children aged under 18 years, please refer to the Immunisation Handbook.

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