People with functional or anatomical asplenia who were not fully vaccinated against Hib in childhood are recommended to receive 1 dose of Hib vaccine

A single dose of Hib vaccine is recommended for people with functional or anatomical asplenia who were not fully vaccinated in early childhood according to the recommendations for infants and children. This is because Hib can cause post-splenectomy sepsis in adults and children.¹

See Table. Catch-up schedule for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination for children <5 years of age in Catch-up vaccination. This is because Hib can cause post-splenectomy sepsis in adults and children.¹

Where possible, these people should receive the vaccine either:

• 2 weeks before a planned splenectomy, or
• about 1 week after an emergency splenectomy

These people do not need subsequent booster doses of Hib vaccine.¹

Hib containing vaccine is funded through the NIP for people with functional or anatomical asplenia who were not fully vaccinated against Hib in childhood. For details see the National Immunisation Program schedule.

See also Table. Recommendations for vaccination in people with functional or anatomical asplenia in Vaccination for people who are immunocompromised for all recommendations.