Immunisations help protect people against different types of infections. There are vaccines to protect people without a functioning spleen from many encapsulated bacteria. It is vital people receive the most up to date immunisations available.

These vaccinations are funded by the Australian Government, and are FREE for people without a functioning spleen. This includes vaccinations which are required before your planned splenectomy.

These are:

  • Pneumococcal
  • Meningococcal
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b
  • Annual influenza vaccine

Staying up to date with these immunisations will reduce your risk of getting a bacterial infection. New vaccines are developed frequently and the schedule regularly changes.

You are responsible for keeping up to date with the latest vaccine recommendations. It is important to check our website frequently for changes to our medical recommendations as they reflect changes of the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

If you are eligible to register with Spleen Australia (people who reside in Victoria, Queensland and Tasmania) we will provide you and your GP with an immunisation plan.

People without a functioning spleen are not at increased risk of contracting influenza, however if you are rundown with influenza you increase your risk of contracting a secondary bacterial infection.

Please see our current medical recommendations for adults

Please see our current medical recommendations for children

Are you aware these specific vaccines are now free (funded by the Australian Government)?

  • Prevenar 13
  • Pneumovax 23
  • Nimenrix
  • Bexsero
  • Act-HIB

How do I tell if I am up to date with my vaccines?

Have you had?

Round 1

  • Pneumoccocal conjugate (Prevenar 13)
  • Meningococcal conjugate ACWY (Menveo, Nimenrix, Menactra)
  • Meningococcal mulitcomponent B (Bexsero)
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Act-HIB, Hiberix)

Round 2 (at least 2 months following round 1)

  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide (Pneumovax 23)
  • Meningococcal conjugate ACWY (Menveo, Nimenrix, Menactra)
  • Meningococcal mulitcomponent B (Bexsero)

Boosters (5 years following round 2)

  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide (Pneumovax 23) *maximum 2 doses in a lifetime
  • Meningococcal conjugate ACWY (Menveo, Nimenrix, Menactra)
  • Meningococcal mulitcomponent B (Bexsero)

If no or unsure

  • See your GP for review of vaccines
  • Check your Spleen Australia report and vaccine record card
  • Check your Spleen-IE app
  • You may find your immunisation history with your GP or on medicare via the my.gov.au website.