§ Dr. StoateTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what assessment he has made of the value of pneumococcal vaccination in reducing the winter burden on the NHS; [13970]
(2) if he will reduce the target age for pneumococcal vaccination to match the flu vaccination programme for older people. [13971]
§ Jacqui SmithPneumococcal vaccine is recommended for all those aged two years or older in whom pneumococcal infection is likely to be more common and/or dangerous, ie those with:
- Asplenia or severe dysfunction of the spleen
- Chronic renal disease or nephrotic syndrome
- Immunodeficiency or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment, including HIV infection at all stages
- Chronic heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic liver disease including cirrhosis
- Diabetes mellitus.
The Department continues to recommend this vaccine based on underlying ill health rather than age. Because the Department's policy on pneumococcal vaccine is designed to reduce morbidity and mortality, we have made no specific studies on the reduction of winter burden on the national health service.