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Pneumococcal vaccines
28 January 2005
The Foundation is delighted with the recent news that Government advisory body, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), has given their recommendation in principle to a new vaccination for children to protect against pneumococcal disease in the UK.
It is estimated that pneumococcal infection, which can cause meningitis, may kill between 50 and 100 children under the age of five each year.
While there are still a number of hurdles to clear before the vaccination can be incorporated into the childhood vaccine schedule, this represents a major step forward.
We will keep you informed as to the vaccine's progress.