Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Do I Require Vaccination Early Owing To Spleen Removal?

I had my spleen taken out 5 1/2 years ago. I have never been sick until this last month. I have had an ongoing cold/flu for 6 weeks. Could it be time for me to have my immunization for the lack of my spleen being present? The Dr. that removed it said I would need a shot every 6 years but I am wondering if I need my early???
Fri, 25 Apr 2014
Report Abuse
Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Hello
Thanks for your query.
Usually pneumococcal vaccination is given before elective splenectomy or during emergency splenectomy. I don't know why your doctor has not given it earlier. If you didn't take it earlier you should take it by this time. You should take a pneumococcal conjugated vaccine now and to be repeated after 5 years if you are less than 65 years of age or if you are more than of 65 years of age then you have to take a single dose. Along with pneumococcal vaccine you need to take yearly influenza vaccine. Discuss these issues with your doctors.
Thank you.
Regards
Dr Arnab Maji
I find this answer helpful
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Spleen


Loading Online Doctors....
Do I Require Vaccination Early Owing To Spleen Removal?

Hello Thanks for your query. Usually pneumococcal vaccination is given before elective splenectomy or during emergency splenectomy. I don t know why your doctor has not given it earlier. If you didn t take it earlier you should take it by this time. You should take a pneumococcal conjugated vaccine now and to be repeated after 5 years if you are less than 65 years of age or if you are more than of 65 years of age then you have to take a single dose. Along with pneumococcal vaccine you need to take yearly influenza vaccine. Discuss these issues with your doctors. Thank you. Regards Dr Arnab Maji