Before elective cochlear implantation in a child, immunization is routinely updated. Which vaccine is specifically emphasized in the preimplantation protocol because of the recognized risk of postoperative meningitis?

• A Rabies vaccine
• B Yellow fever vaccine
• C Pneumococcal vaccine ✓
• D Typhoid conjugate vaccine

Explanation

Cochlear implant recipients carry a small but well-documented increased risk of bacterial meningitis, largely due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. Guidelines therefore recommend completion of pneumococcal vaccination at least two weeks before surgery, along with Haemophilus influenzae type b coverage where appropriate. Rabies, typhoid and yellow fever vaccines have no role in this perioperative context.

Reference: Cummings Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.