Only 13% avail of free life-saving vaccine

ONLY 13 per cent of older people have availed of a vaccine that could save their lives, according to research released yesterday.

The pneumococcal vaccine is available free from GPs to the over-65s and to those with chronic illnesses, but few have availed of it.

The poor uptake means that more than 400,000 people over 65 could be at unnecessary risk of contracting invasive pneumococcal disease.

People with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, chronic heart, lung or liver disease and diseases which suppress the immune system, should also be given the vaccine.

More than 200 people die in Ireland each year from pneumococcal disease.

It is caused by a common bacterium which can invade the sinuses, lungs, bloodstream or brain, causing serious conditions including pneumonia, meningitis and septicaemia.

But while the uptake of the seasonal flu vaccine in older people is good, with 62 per cent of over-65s receiving it, only 13 per cent are vaccinated against pneumococcal disease, according to the research carried out by TNS mrbi on behalf of Sanofi Pasteur MSD.

Although more people will contract seasonal flu every year than pneumococcal disease, the mortality rate for the latter is considerably higher; up to 7 per cent of those who contract it will die.

The Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland recommend that everyone aged 65 years and older should be offered the vaccine and that it should be made available to all infants as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule.

The vaccine is free of charge to at-risk groups, though people without a medical card will have to pay a standard GP fee to receive it.

Longford GP Dr Paul Trueick said the condition could result in death. “One of the most effective ways to avoid the illness is to ensure you get the pneumococcal vaccination,” he said.

It can be safely given at the same time as the seasonal flu vaccine, he said.

“I would urge those in the at-risk groups to speak to their GP immediately about the vaccination,” he said.

Kieran O’Leary of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland said that with more than 200,000 people in Ireland living with diabetes it was vital that they get the vaccine to reduce the risk of contracting pneumococcal disease, which would result in poor glycaemic control leading to long-term problems.

Two booklets have been developed by Sanofi Pasteur MSD and the Diabetes Federation of Ireland with advice for those aged 65 and for those with chronic conditions.

A Winter Prescription for Health for over 65s and A Winter Prescription for People with Diabetes will be available in doctors’ surgeries from this month.