Rochdale ready with new pneumococcal disease vaccine

Date published: 31 August 2006

Rochdale is ready to offer babies the new pneumococcal vaccine as part of the national changes to the routine immunisation programme from 4 September 2006.

Child Health staff and GP practices have been working hard to ensure all necessary preparations are in place before the new national immunisation campaign is introduced next week.

With effect from 4 September appointments will begin to be scheduled so that local parents can attend their GP surgery to ensure their child receives the new immunisation jab. Infants will be offered different combinations of vaccines at their 2, 3 and 4 month visits.

A pneumococcal vaccination catch up programme will be carried out simultaneously for all children aged under two years old.

Bernadine O’Sullivan, Deputy Director of Public Health for Rochdale Borough said: "immunisation is still the best way to protect children from serious childhood diseases including meningitis and pneumococcal infection. These changes in the routine childhood programme are a positive step towards improving protection for children in Rochdale from vaccine preventable illnesses.

"If parents want further information about the vaccine or changes to the programme I suggest they speak to their GP or visit www.imunisation.nhs.uk"