Discover more about vaccines and the valuable protection they can provide against preventable diseases for young and old. Shown below is our first ePublication 'All Grown UP' which tells the story of the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine in the UK and celebrates the five year anniversary since the introduction of the vaccine. 

All Grown Up

Pneumococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Strepococcus pneumoniae, is a leading cause of serious illness in both infants and adults, and is responsible for many cases of meningitis, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and pneumonia.

"Vaccination continues to be one of the safest, most reliable means of health protection available." Dr Selwyn Hodge. Chair, Royal Society for Public Health.

In the 5 years since the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) was first introduced onto the childhood immunisation programme, many lives have been saved. The PCV13 vaccine, introduced in 2010, provides the broadest available coverage, covering strains that account for 74% of all invasive pneumococcal disease in young children in the UK.

In October 2011, the European Commission approved PCV13 for the prevention of invasive disease caused by Strepococcus pneumoniae in adults aged 50 and over.

And, thanks to new developments, we are continuing to work towards a safer future.