Contents Chapter Topic Page Neonatology Respiratory Cardiology

5.5 Close contacts of immuno-deficient children and adults must be immunized,
particularly against measles and polio (use IPV).
5.6 In cases of contact with a patient with invasive Haemophilus influenzae B
disease:
5.6.1 Close contacts in a household, nursery or kindergarden under the age
of 4 years should be immunised.
5.6.2 Rifampicin prophylaxis should be given to all household contacts at 20
mg/kg once daily (Maximum 600 mg) for 4 days (except pregnant
women - one IM dose of ceftriaxone )
5.6.3 Index case should be immunised irrespective of age.
5.7 Asplenia (Elective or emergency splenectomy; asplenic syndromes; sickle cell
anaemia) – susceptible to encapsulated bacteria and malaria.
5.7.1 Pneumococcal, Meningococcal A, C, Y & W-135 and Haemophilus
influenza b vaccines should be given.
5.7.2 For elective splenectomy (and also chemotherapy or radiotherapy); it is
preferable to give the vaccines 2 or more weeks before the procedure.
However they can be given even after the procedure.
5.7.3 Penicillin prophylaxis should continue even after vaccination. Ideally for
life. If not until 16 years old for children or 5 years post splenectomy in
adults.
5.8 Babies born to mothers who are HbeAg OR HbsAg positive should be given
Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (200 IU) and vaccinated with the Hepatitis B
vaccine at within 12 hours and not later than 48 hours. Given in different
syringes and at different sites.