Safety and immunogenicity of a conjugate vaccine against Haemophilus influenzae type b in splenectomized and nonsplenectomized patients with Cooley anemia.

Patients with thalassemia are at increased risk for infections, especially after undergoing splenectomy. Vaccinations and antimicrobial prophylaxis are recommended in these patients, but the optimal immunization schedule for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine is unknown. The immunogenicity of a conjugate Hib vaccine was investigated in 57 patients with thalassemia, 32 of whom had undergone splenectomy.