Why Are There Special Vaccine Recommendations for Kids With Cochlear Implants?

Children with cochlear implants have a higher risk than other kids of getting some types of bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is a serious infection of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.

There are vaccines that can help protect against the most common infections that cause meningitis. Many of them are routine vaccines that all kids get. As with all kids, those who'll get cochlear implants should get all their routine vaccines on time, based on the recommended vaccine schedule. But kids who are getting (or who have) cochlear implants may have special recommendations for some vaccines.

Which Vaccines Help Prevent Bacterial Meningitis?

Pneumococcal vaccine. Kids with cochlear implants are at higher risk of getting meningitis caused by pneumococcal bacteria. The type of vaccine and number of doses they need will depend on their age and which vaccines they've already gotten. 

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine. Kids with cochlear implants are at slightly higher risk of getting meningitis caused by Hib, so they should get the vaccine as recommended. It's given to children younger than 5 years old (and sometimes to older kids if they have a weak immune system and have never had the vaccine).

Meningococcal vaccines. Kids with cochlear implants are not at higher risk of getting meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria, but they should still get vaccinated according to the schedule. These vaccines are given to all preteens and teens (and sometimes to younger children who have a higher risk of getting infected with meningococcal bacteria).

All kids 6 months and older should get the flu vaccine every year. But kids with cochlear implants should only get it in shot form, not the nasal spray.

What Else Should I Know?

If kids need to catch up with recommended doses of vaccines, they should ideally get them at least 2 weeks before cochlear implant surgery. If they don't, they should get them as soon as possible after the surgery.