The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently revised its vaccination guidelines for bacterial pneumonia, lowering the recommended age for vaccination from 65 to 50 years old. This change comes after a decisive vote by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), which approved the new age recommendation with a vote of 14 to 1 on October 23.

This shift is significant, as it extends vaccination eligibility to a larger population, particularly considering that previously, the pneumonia vaccine was primarily recommended for individuals aged 65 and older, as well as children under 5 and high-risk groups such as those with diabetes or chronic liver disease.

Mandy Cohen, the director of the CDC, released a statement emphasizing the importance of getting vaccinated, especially with the winter months approaching, traditionally known as the season for respiratory infections. She noted, “Now is a great time to protect against pneumonia.”

William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert from Vanderbilt University Medical Center, expressed his approval of the new age recommendation. He highlighted that the vaccine is crucial for protecting high-risk groups from complications associated with bacterial pneumonia, particularly among minority populations.

According to NBC News, Schaffner mentioned that most adults only need a single dose of the pneumonia vaccine for lasting protection. However, some individuals may require a second dose depending on their health risks, typically spaced one year apart.

Schaffner pointed out that among African Americans aged 55 to 60, the rates of severe invasive pneumococcal infections tend to spike more rapidly. He stressed the necessity of disseminating this new information to prevent severe illness among the population.

Physicians are expected to comply with the updated vaccination guidelines, and insurance companies will adjust their coverage based on this new recommendation, as reported by the Associated Press.

With over 100 known strains of pneumococcal bacteria capable of causing severe infections in the lungs and other organs, the statistics are alarming. The U.S. sees approximately 30,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) annually, with around 30% occurring in individuals aged 50 to 64.

Currently, there are four pneumonia vaccines available, including the recently FDA-approved Capvaxive from Merck, which costs about $300 per dose.