Question 13

Question:

A 26-year-old female comes to the ED after being hit by a car. She complains of severe abdominal pain and distention. An emergency laparotomy shows a splenic laceration, and a splenectomy is performed. There are no postoperative complications. She has no significant past medical history. She drinks alcohol occasionally but denies cigarettes or illicit drugs. She is a mechanical engineer. Which of the following vaccines is recommended?

Correct Answer: C.  Meningococcal

Following splenectomy, patients are at increased risk for severe infection by encapsulated organisms like S. pneumoniae, N. meningitidis and H. influenzae. Patents undergoing splenectomy should receive vaccinations against these organisms, ideally 2 weeks before surgery or, if splenectomy was emergent, at least 2 weeks after. Nevertheless, most physicians prefer to vaccinate the patient during their hospital stay in order to avoid losing the patients to follow-up.