§ Dr. FoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many patients in each of the last five years have received the pneumococcal vaccine. [56921]
§ Ms BlearsThe number of people who have received pneumococcal vaccine can be estimated by the number of prescription items dispensed in the community for pneumococcal vaccine. The amount of pneumococcal vaccine dispensed in England for the last five years is given in the table.
Number of prescription items dispensed in the community for pneumococcal vaccine, 1997 to 2001 England Prescription items (thousands) Net ingredient cost (£000) Number of vaccines (thousands) 1997 646.0 6,422.6 646.2 1998 445.4 4,428.5 445.7 1999 550.5 5,415.0 551.8 2000 539.1 5,244.3 540.3 2001 468.1 4,682.9 468.4