Pneumococcal vaccine recommended for kids and elderly

Pneumococcal vaccines must be made available to all children and people over 65, new guidance states.

The Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland estimate that over 400,000 people in Ireland each year are at risk of contracting pneumococcal disease, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia. It is estimated that the disease causes around 200 deaths each year.

The guidelines state that GPs must administer vaccines to all at-risk groups over the coming weeks. This includes patients suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes. It suggests that children should receive the vaccine as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

Two booklets have also been created to educate patients about the dangers of pneumococcal disease.