Infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae is an important cause of pneumonia and other serious illnesses, particularly amongst those with certain high-risk medical conditions such as asthma. Although pneumococcal vaccine is routinely advocated for people with asthma, there is uncertainty about the evidence base that underpins this recommendation.
Deparment of General Practice and Primary Health Care, Imperial College School of Medicine, Reynolds Building, Charing Cross Campus, St Dunstan's Road, London, UK, W6 8RP. aziz.sheikh@ic.ac.uk
