Cochlear Implants and Vaccine Recommendations

Overview

Many bacteria can cause meningitis

The leading causes of bacterial meningitis in the United States include:

• Haemophilus influenzae (causes H. influenzae meningitis)
  • Includes type b (Hib)
• Neisseria meningitidis (causes meningococcal meningitis)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (causes pneumococcal meningitis)

Having cochlear implants increases risk for bacterial meningitis

People with cochlear implants are at increased risk for bacterial meningitis, especially pneumococcal meningitis. CDC and the Food and Drug Administration learned this from a 2002 study of children with cochlear implants1.

Vaccines help prevent some types of bacterial meningitis

The table below summarizes types of bacterial meningitis and the vaccines available in the United States to help protect against each.

Important facts

CDC doesn't have any special vaccination recommendations for people with hearing loss.

People with hearing loss are recommended to receive the same vaccines as people without hearing loss, based on age and other health conditions. They should discuss questions about possible ear abnormalities and risk for vaccine-preventable diseases with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor.

Recommendations

Pneumococcal vaccination

CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for children and adults with cochlear implants.

Children

Children younger than 5 years old with cochlear implants are recommended to receive the same pneumococcal vaccines as similarly aged children.

Children 2 through 18 years old with cochlear implants may need pneumococcal vaccines beyond those discussed above. CDC doesn't recommend additional doses if at least one of the doses was PCV20. If none of the doses were PCV20, then CDC recommends one more dose (either PCV20 or PPSV23).

Children 6 through 18 years old with cochlear implants who've never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine are recommended to receive pneumococcal vaccines. CDC recommends either PCV15 or PCV20. If PCV15 is used, following it with 1 dose of PPSV23 is recommended.

Adults

All adults with cochlear implants who've never received pneumococcal vaccines are recommended to receive 1 dose of PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21. If PCV15 is used, following it with 1 dose of PPSV23 is recommended.

Adults who have previously received a pneumococcal vaccine should talk with their healthcare provider to see if they are recommended additional doses.

Hib vaccination

CDC doesn't have any Hib vaccination recommendations specifically for people with cochlear implants. All children younger than 5 years old are recommended to receive Hib vaccines, including those with cochlear implants. Data don't suggest older children or adults with cochlear implants need Hib vaccination.

Meningococcal vaccination

CDC doesn't have any meningococcal vaccination recommendations specifically for people with cochlear implants. Data don't suggest that people with cochlear implants are at increased risk for meningococcal meningitis. However, CDC recommends meningococcal vaccination for all preteens and teens, including those with cochlear implants.

Common questions

If my child is getting vaccinated, should it be before or after getting cochlear implant surgery?

CDC recommends getting all recommended doses of pneumococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks before cochlear implant surgery. This will provide maximum protection both during and after surgery.

Anyone already up to date with pneumococcal, Hib, and meningococcal vaccinations doesn't need extra doses before surgery.

Is it safe to receive these vaccines?

The vaccines used to protect against bacterial meningitis have good safety profiles. When side effects occur, they are usually mild. Local reactions, such as a sore arm at the site of the injection, are common with some of the vaccines. Some people may also get a fever.

How well do the vaccines work to prevent meningitis?

Vaccines don't protect against all bacteria that cause meningitis. In addition, vaccines don't always protect against all types of any given bacteria. For example, pneumococcal vaccines protect against many, but not all, strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae. Also, people with weakened immune systems may not respond as well to vaccines. This may leave them at increased risk for getting meningitis.