Adults aged 50 to 64 now have a new vaccination to consider as part of their annual fall healthcare routine.
The CDC recently recommended that all individuals in this age group receive a pneumococcal vaccine to safeguard against serious conditions such as pneumonia, meningitis, and infections in the bloodstream.
These illnesses stem from pneumococcal disease, which is caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, also known as pneumococcus.
This updated guidance was issued by the CDC’s advisory panel of independent experts, and it was promptly endorsed by CDC Director Mandy Cohen, MD, MPH.
Previously, pneumococcal vaccinations were primarily recommended for adults over 65 or younger adults with specific high-risk conditions. Children also routinely receive these vaccines in a series by the age of five.
The revised recommendation aims to enhance vaccine accessibility for more adults and to reduce health disparities across different racial and demographic groups.
According to the CDC, “Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination provides more adults with a chance to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at a time when the risk of infection rises significantly.”
Research shared with the advisory panel highlighted that nearly 90% of individuals aged 50 to 64 hospitalized for pneumococcal pneumonia had at least one health condition increasing their risk, including heart disease, respiratory conditions, liver disease, diabetes, weakened immune systems, smoking, and some types of cancer.
It’s estimated that 32% to 54% of people within this age group have conditions that heighten their vulnerability to pneumococcal infections.
The vaccine’s protection is expected to last between 10 to 20 years. In 2023, the vaccine’s out-of-pocket costs ranged from $261 to $319.
People are encouraged to get vaccinated at any time, with the CDC suggesting that “now is an ideal time to get vaccinated in anticipation of the winter respiratory season.”
Key Takeaways
- New CDC Recommendation: Adults aged 50 to 64 are now advised to receive the pneumococcal vaccine as part of their annual health routine.
- Purpose: The vaccine aims to protect against severe infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, caused by pneumococcal disease.
- Disease Cause: Pneumococcal disease is triggered by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, also known as pneumococcus.
- Previous Recommendations: Previously, the vaccine was only advised for adults over 65, younger high-risk adults, and children under five.
- Goal of the Update: Expanding the recommendation seeks to increase vaccine access and reduce health disparities among racial and demographic groups.
- Risk Factors: Nearly 90% of individuals aged 50 to 64 hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia have underlying conditions, including heart, lung, and liver diseases, diabetes, and weakened immune systems.
- Long-lasting Protection: The vaccine is expected to provide protection for 10 to 20 years.
- Cost: Out-of-pocket costs for the vaccine ranged from $261 to $319 in 2023.
- Timing: The CDC suggests that fall is an ideal time to get vaccinated, ahead of the winter respiratory season.
Written by:
John Landry is a registered respiratory therapist from Memphis, TN, and has a bachelor's degree in kinesiology. He enjoys using evidence-based research to help others breathe easier and live a healthier life.
References
- Scelfo C, Menzella F, Fontana M, Ghidoni G, Galeone C, Facciolongo NC. Pneumonia and Invasive Pneumococcal Diseases: The Role of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine in the Era of Multi-Drug Resistance. Vaccines (Basel). 2021.