Most everyone is correct. An unvaccinated child is more at risk in terms of contracting the diseases they are not vaccinated for and not recovering well. However, they also spread those diseases around at a higher rate for longer. Since their body is not primed to fight the infection, the bacteria replicate in their body for longer before they can fight the infection. So they expose everyone for a longer period of time and to a higher bacterial load. Also remember that not all vaccines are for rare diseases. Bacteria that cause Pneumonia, meningitis, diarrhea diseases and ear infections are part of most states' vaccination schedule.

As for the person without a spleen, you are in some extra danger.
You are susceptible to infections by certain bacteria called "encapsulated organisms". This includes the bacteria that most commonly causes pneumonia (S. pneumo), the bacteria that is the most common cause of ear infections (H. Influenzae B) but was previously a common cause of meningitis, the bacteria that is the most common cause of meningitis, (N. meningitidis), the bacteria that is the most common cause of Urinary tract infections (E. Coli), and Salmonella which still comes around in outbreaks. These bacteria are all floating around all the time and are part of the routine vaccination schedule except e. coli and salmonella. an unvaccinated child can catch and spread all of these infections more easily than vaccinated children.

Also, in my state (FLorida) they immunize against rotavirus. This is a common cause of diarrhea.

Hope this helps make your decision about your own safety.

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