A child is being prepared for cochlear implantation. Which preventive measure is particularly important because implantation increases susceptibility to pneumococcal meningitis?
Vaccination status should be checked and completed according to national recommendations before cochlear implantation. Families also need advice about prompt assessment of otitis and meningitic symptoms.
A. Avoid all routine childhood vaccines: This would increase preventable infection risk.
B. Confirm age-appropriate pneumococcal vaccination before implantation: Vaccination status should be checked and completed according to national recommendations before cochlear implantation. Families also need advice about prompt assessment of otitis and meningitic symptoms.
C. Give indefinite prophylactic antibiotics: Long-term prophylaxis is not routine prevention.
D. Remove the spleen before surgery: There is no indication.
E. Delay vaccination until years after implantation: Protection should be established before or around implantation according to schedule.
If the child developed fever, headache, neck stiffness or altered behaviour after implantation, urgent assessment for meningitis would be required.
Independent Clinora educational preparation material; not official JCIE content, an accredited programme, clinical advice, or a substitute for current guidance, local policy and specialist judgement.
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