CDC Lowers Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination to 50

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has lowered the recommended age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old, a change endorsed by CDC Director Mandy Cohen on October 23, 2024.

Why the Change?

Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination provides more adults with the opportunity to protect themselves against pneumococcal disease at a time when their risk of infection substantially increases. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections.

Who Should Get Vaccinated?

Adults 50 years or older should discuss pneumococcal vaccination with their healthcare provider to ensure they are up to date with recommended vaccinations. This is particularly important as we approach the winter respiratory season.

Understanding Pneumococcal Disease

Pneumococcal disease is a common illness, especially in young children, but older adults are at the greatest risk of severe illness and death. Pneumococcal vaccines are the most effective way to protect against these infections, including invasive disease where the bacteria enter parts of the body normally free from germs.

Types of Pneumococcal Vaccines

The United States utilizes two types of pneumococcal vaccines:

• Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCVs): These include PCV15, PCV20, and PCV21.
• Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23):

Each vaccine protects against different serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria.

Vaccination Recommendations for Specific Groups

The CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for:

• All children younger than 5 years old.
• Children 5 through 18 years old with certain risk conditions.
• All adults 50 years or older.
• Adults 19 through 49 years old with certain risk conditions.

Resources for Healthcare Providers

The CDC offers resources to help healthcare providers implement pneumococcal vaccine recommendations, including the PneumoRecs VaxAdvisor app, available for iOS and Android, as well as a web-based version.

For more information on pneumococcal disease, please visit the CDC website: Pneumococcal Disease | Pneumococcal | CDC