CDC recommends lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old
Oct. 30, 2024
On October 23, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.
The CDC says lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at the age when risk of infection substantially increases. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
Adults 50 years or older should talk with a healthcare provider to make sure they're up to date with pneumococcal vaccination.
