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Pneumococcal vaccine axed for over-65s

01.06.11

PNEUMONIA jabs for the over-65s are to be scrapped by the Government because they do not save lives.

Millions of pensioners have been vaccinated with a one-off jab that was expected to give 10-year protection against an infection that causes pneumonia and meningitis.

Independent experts on the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the Government, claim it has had 'no discernible impact' on rates of pneumococcal disease.

It said the protection provided by the vaccine is poor and not long-lasting in older people.

It has told the Government's director of immunisation, Professor David Salisbury, there is little benefit in continuing the programme and it should be stopped.

The vaccine programme is estimated to have cost up to £100million – with jabs costing around £20 each including GPs' time – since it was launched in 2005.

The type of jab for over-65s is pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine sold under brand names Pneumovax and Pneumovax II. A different type is used in children.

The jab for older people has been linked to 30 deaths and more than 3,300 reported side effects, including heart disorders and joint and muscle pain, according to official figures from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency.

Kate Rowland, head of development at Meningitis UK, said: "It is disappointing that the vaccine hasn't offered the protection levels everyone had hoped for.

"We readily support any vaccine that is safe and saves lives as we see the direct impact meningitis has on families every day.

"However, this shows how important it is to monitor the success of vaccines and to continue research into improving them.

"There are vaccines in development that could provide better protection within this high-risk group and we are hopeful that they will be more effective in the future."

Pneumococcal meningitis is the second most common form of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Although pneumococcal meningitis is less common than meningococcal meningitis, it is a lot more life-threatening.

Young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of contracting pneumococcal disease.

Meningitis UK is offering the public free symptoms information packs to help raise awareness. These include a leaflet with all the facts and frequently asked questions, plus a 'Check the Symptoms' fridge magnet and a handy wallet-sized symptoms card.

To order your free symptoms information pack, please call 0117 373 73 73 or visit www.meningitisUK.org