Vaccination in patients with anatomical or functional asplenia in Romanian health insurance system

Patients with anatomical or functional asplenia are par­ti­cu­lar­ly vulnerable to invasive infections caused by en­cap­su­la­ted bacteria, especially Streptococcus pneu­mo­niae, Neisseria me­nin­gi­tidis and Haemophilus influenzae type B. Preventive measures such as vaccination can re­duce in­fec­tious disease incidence in these subjects. All pa­tients with anatomical or functional asplenia and their fa­mi­lies should receive information on the importance of vac­ci­na­tion in reducing the risk of sepsis and other serious ma­ni­fes­ta­tions of infectious diseases that can be prevented by immunization. Vaccinations for S. pneumoniae, N. me­nin­gi­tidis, H. Influenzae type b and influenza virus are highly recommended and should be given at least two weeks prior to surgery in elective cases or at least two weeks following the surgical procedure in emergency situations. In Romania, Order no. 5135/1766/2024 specifies the legislative frame­work for prescribing vaccines under a compensated regime and which individuals with anatomical (congenital/surgical) or functional asplenia benefit from free of charge when purchasing the main vaccines necessary for protection.