In a significant shift in public health policy, U.S. health officials have recommended that adults aged 50 and older receive vaccinations against pneumococcal disease, which can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses. This recommendation, made by a scientific advisory panel, was accepted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday, reducing the previous age threshold from 65.
“Now is a great time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen stated following the announcement.
The advisory committee voted 14-1 in favor of the change during a meeting in Atlanta. The CDC’s guidance is typically followed closely by healthcare providers and often influences insurance coverage for recommended vaccinations.
Historically, pneumococcal vaccination guidelines have been seen as complex. Currently, the CDC recommends vaccinations for children under five, adults aged 65 and older, and for individuals of any age at increased risk, such as those with diabetes, chronic liver disease, or weakened immune systems. The bacteria responsible for pneumococcal disease encompass over 100 different types and can cause serious infections, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Each year, approximately 30,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease are reported in the U.S., with around 30% occurring in individuals aged 50 to 64.
The first pneumococcal vaccine was licensed in the U.S. in 1977, and since then, various versions targeting multiple types of bacteria have been developed. Currently, four vaccines are available, including the newly FDA-approved Merck vaccine, Capvaxive, which protects against 21 types of pneumococci, eight of which are not covered by other vaccines. Capvaxive has a retail cost of about $300 per dose and was designed to address the types of bacteria that predominantly affect older adults.
The advisory committee had previously discussed the need to lower the vaccination age due to observations that pneumococcal disease tends to peak at a younger age—between 55 and 59 years—for Black Americans compared to their white counterparts. However, the decision to adjust the age recommendation was postponed until this week’s meeting.
Despite the positive recommendations, some concerns remain. Experts caution that a booster shot may eventually be required, potentially in 15 years, and ongoing vaccine development could necessitate further updates to the guidelines.
Dr. Jamie Loehr, chair of the committee’s pneumococcal working group and the sole dissenting vote, acknowledged the complexity of pneumococcal vaccination recommendations, stating, “Pneumococcal has been a very confusing recommendation for many, many years, and it’s hard to have a new recommendation every two or three years.”
As health officials encourage vaccination ahead of the winter months, this updated guidance is expected to play a crucial role in protecting a vulnerable segment of the population from serious respiratory infections.
