Which group has an increased risk for meningococcal infection and might be recommended the vaccination?

Asplenic individuals have an increased risk for meningococcal infections due to the critical role the spleen plays in filtering bacteria from the bloodstream and mounting an immune response. When the spleen is absent or nonfunctional, the body becomes more susceptible to encapsulated organisms, such as Neisseria meningitidis, which causes meningococcal disease. Vaccination against meningococcal infections is strongly recommended for asplenic individuals to provide essential protection, as they are at a higher risk of severe infections.

While infants under 1 year old also have an increased susceptibility to meningococcal infections due to their developing immune systems, asplenic individuals are particularly vulnerable due to their lack of spleen function, making them a primary focus for vaccination recommendations. Older adults and individuals with diabetes do not share the same level of increased risk for meningococcal disease as asplenic patients, so vaccination for them is typically not as urgent or prioritized.