text: Health Information and Tools > Splenectomy
  Some people have their spleen removed to keep from losing too many red blood cells. Other people may need to have it removed if the spleen is injured in a car crash or by another trauma.
  Vaccines. The pneumococcal, meningococcal, and Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib) vaccines will help prevent serious infections, such as pneumonia. If you know in advance that you will have your spleen removed, plan to get these vaccines 2 weeks before your surgery. If you have your spleen removed after a trauma, it's best if you can have the vaccines as early as 2 weeks after surgery. You may also need other vaccines if you have other health problems. You should get the influenza (flu) vaccine every year, and always keep your routine immunizations up to date. For more information, see Immunizations.