A new campaign, Action Against Pneumococcal Infection, has been set up to promote greater awareness of the bug and to try to improve vaccination rates.

The pneumococcus bug claims up to 9,000 lives in the UK each year. It is carried by more than a third of the population.

In most people it sits at the back of the throat and nose, where it remains harmless. However, if it spreads to other parts of the body such as the lungs or bloodstream, it can cause meningitis, pneumonia or blood poisoning.

People most at risk are those with chronic heart, lung, liver or kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, severe dysfunctioning of the spleen, sickle cell disease, coeliac syndrome and reduced functioning of the immune system.

Since 1996, the Department of Health has recommended vaccination for all those who are in any at risk group.

However, research shows that up to 50% of GP practices may not be routinely prescribing pneumococcal vaccination to patients.

Greater awareness

Dr Dick Mayon-White, a consultant in communicable disease control from Oxford, said: "Millions of people are at risk from this disease. There must be more awareness and knowledge about protection, especially as certain strains of the pneumococcus are multi-resistant to antibiotics."

Penny Boyer, whose husband died from pneumococcal septicaemia - blood poisoning - said: "Miles did not have a spleen, but nobody told us about the dangers of the pneumo bug.

"One day he was fit and well, playing tennis, the next day he was dead - it can happen that quickly. He was only 34 years old.

"If we had known about the vaccine, at least we would have had a choice and I am in no doubt that he would probably be alive today if he had been protected."

The AAPI has set up a helpline. The number is 0181 742 7042.