Hippo Labs developed these Pneumococcal indicators using NHS Digital GPES extraction logic and Green Book guidance, supported by additional research and validation from Hippo's clinical team.
They help practices systematically identify and recall eligible patients for pneumococcal vaccination, based on age and clinical risk factors.
📋 The Eligible Populations
Hippo's pneumococcal indicators cover three patient groups. Each group has a paired indicator: an "A" version that measures whether vaccination has ever been achieved, and a "B" version that drives this year's recall (who still needs an appointment).
Cohort | Eligibility | Vaccination |
HIPPOPNEU001A / 001B | Patients aged 65 and over | Single pneumococcal vaccine (PPV23 or PCV) |
HIPPOPNEU002A / 002B | Patients aged 2–64 with a qualifying clinical risk factor | Single pneumococcal vaccine (PPV23 or PCV) |
A vs B: The A indicator reports overall coverage (has the patient ever been appropriately vaccinated?). The B indicator identifies patients who still need recalling this year, excluding those already vaccinated. B indicators drive recalls.
✅ In short: patients aged 65+, at-risk patients aged 2–64, and asplenia/CKD patients (5-yearly) should be recalled for pneumococcal vaccination.
🩺 The Indicators
👵 HIPPOPNEU001A / 001B — Pneumococcal Vaccination (Aged 65+)
Measures: % of patients aged 65 or over who have received a pneumococcal vaccine.
Counts as complete if: a pneumococcal vaccine is recorded on or after the patient's 2nd birthday (i.e. any adult/childhood-age pneumococcal vaccine counts, not only one given after 65).
Exclusions:
Pneumococcal vaccination contraindication recorded, or
Pneumococcal vaccination decline recorded (for the 65+ cohort, any recorded decline excludes the patient).
001B (recall): additionally excludes patients already vaccinated before the start of the current financial year, so it surfaces only those still outstanding.
⚠️ Common pitfalls:
Decline recorded in free text/notes but not as a structured code.
Contraindication not coded.
✅ In short: all patients aged 65+ should have a pneumococcal vaccine recorded (at any point from age 2 onwards), unless contraindicated or declined.
🧬 HIPPOPNEU002A / 002B — Pneumococcal Vaccination (Aged 2–64 at Risk)
Measures: % of patients aged 2–64 with a qualifying risk condition who have received a pneumococcal vaccine.
Eligible risk groups include:
Chronic respiratory / chronic heart disease
Chronic kidney disease (unresolved)
Chronic liver disease
Diabetes mellitus (unresolved, with treatment in the last 12 months)
Immunosuppression — enduring, transient, or due to recent treatment/drugs
Cochlear implant (not removed)
CSF leak (recent)
A coded "pneumococcal vaccination required" record
Counts as complete if: a pneumococcal vaccine is recorded on or after the patient's 2nd birthday.
Exclusions:
Contraindication recorded, or
A pneumococcal vaccination decline recorded in the last 12 months (older declines do not permanently exclude — the patient becomes eligible for recall again).
002B (recall): additionally excludes patients already vaccinated before the start of the current financial year.
⚠️ Common pitfalls:
Risk condition recorded only as an inactive/resolved problem.
Decline coded but more than 12 months old (patient is correctly re-invited).
✅ In short: at-risk patients aged 2–64 should have a pneumococcal vaccine recorded at least once, unless contraindicated or recently declined.
🧩 Putting It All Together
Indicator | Who It Applies To | What It Measures | What to Do |
HIPPOPNEU001A / 001B | Patients aged 65+ | Vaccine recorded (from age 2 onwards) | Record vaccine or valid decline/contraindication |
HIPPOPNEU002A / 002B | Patients aged 2–64 with risk factors | Vaccine recorded (from age 2 onwards) | Record vaccine or valid decline/contraindication |
🌟 Why This Matters
Following these indicators helps practices:
Ensure pneumococcal protection for older and clinically at-risk patients.
Improve vaccine coverage in line with national Green Book guidance.
Reduce hospital admissions and complications from pneumococcal infection.
✅ In short: Hippo's Pneumococcal Indicators ensure every eligible patient — by age, by clinical risk, or by need for 5-yearly boosting — is identified and recalled for vaccination.