AbstractPDF
Abstract
Based on the results of the meta-analysis of the Dutch Cochrane Centre and after numerous and extensive deliberations the Dutch Health Council decided that there is no conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of pneumococcal vaccination in addition to influenza vaccination in healthy persons 65 years or older. The council recommended starting a prospective study in the Netherlands with healthy elderly vaccinated for influenza who are randomised to receive an additional pneumococcal vaccination. The results of this study or comparable studies could provide the argument to make new recommendations.
The success of the influenza vaccination programme in the Netherlands performed in general practice shows that if enough evidence does become available for pneumococcal vaccination in the future, general practice will be the best place to execute this additional vaccination programme.
