The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has issued a “Dear Healthcare Professional letter” advising that the pneumococcal vaccination programme for those aged 65 years and older should stop.

In the letter, they state that “Following a detailed review of the evidence on the impact of the programme and on the clinical effectiveness of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV), JCVI has concluded that the protection the vaccine provides is poor and is not long-lasting in older people. In addition, the programme has had no discernable impact on the incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease in older people. The committee has advised, therefore, that there is little benefit to continuing the programme and that it should be stopped. However, PPV should continue to be offered to those in clinical risk groups as the evidence on efficacy in younger people is more robust. Clinical judgements should be made on whether to vaccinate older patients taking into account patient age and severity of underlying health conditions.”

In light of the committee’s advice to stop the programme, the Department will be asking professional and patient groups and the vaccine manufacturers for their views, including any additional relevant evidence they may have, before making a final decision on the programme. In the meantime, clinicians should follow existing Green Book guidance.