Which statement about asplenia vaccination is accurate?

• A. Pneumococcal vaccines PCV13 and PPSV23; meningococcal vaccines MCV4 and MenB; annual influenza.
• B. Meningococcal vaccines not required for asplenia.
• C. No vaccines are required for asplenia.
• D. Live vaccines are contraindicated in asplenia.

Answer: (A)

When someone doesn’t have a spleen, their body is less able to fight off infections from encapsulated bacteria, especially pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. Because of this, a targeted vaccination plan is essential to reduce the risk of life‑threatening infections.

The statement that lists pneumococcal vaccines (PCV13 and PPSV23), meningococcal vaccines (MenACWY and MenB), and an annual influenza vaccine reflects the vaccines typically recommended for asplenia. Pneumococcal protection is provided by using PCV-containing vaccines plus PPSV23 to broaden coverage against multiple strains. Meningococcal protection comes from vaccines against both the ACWY groups (MenACWY) and group B (MenB), addressing the major meningitis-causing serogroups. The annual influenza vaccine helps cut down on viral illnesses that can set the stage for bacterial infections, which is especially important in people without a spleen. If Hib immunity isn’t up to date, Hib vaccination is also advised, since Haemophilus influenzae type b can cause serious disease in asplenic patients.

The other statements conflict with standard practice: vaccines are recommended for asplenia, and live vaccines are not categorically contraindicated by the absence of the spleen.