The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has revised its recommendation for the pneumococcal vaccine, lowering the suggested starting age from 65 to 50. This change, announced by CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen, reflects the increased risk of pneumococcal infections as adults age, with a goal to enhance protection against serious pneumococcal diseases for middle-aged adults.

“Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination enables more adults to protect themselves against pneumococcal disease at an age when susceptibility to infection significantly rises,” Dr. Cohen stated.

Pneumococcal bacteria can lead to severe health complications such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, with older adults particularly vulnerable to these diseases. The decision follows a CDC advisory panel vote of 14-1 in favor of the change, which Dr. Cohen approved shortly after.

Previously, pneumococcal vaccination was recommended primarily for two high-risk groups: children under 5 years and adults aged 65 and older. However, individuals of other ages with certain health conditions are also advised to receive the vaccine.

Streptococcus pneumoniae and related pneumococcal strains are responsible for pneumococcal disease. Each year, an estimated 150,000 hospitalizations occur due to pneumococcal pneumonia in the U.S., with the condition often complicating cases of influenza, according to CDC data. Pneumococci represent the leading bacterial cause of pneumonia in children under 5 and account for 10% to 30% of adult community-acquired pneumonia cases.

The first pneumococcal vaccine was licensed in the U.S. in 1977, and since then, four vaccine types have become available. These include Capvaxive by Merck, which protects against 21 types of pneumococci—eight more than comparable vaccines—and is priced at around $300 per dose.

Additionally, CDC experts noted that Black Americans tend to experience pneumococcal illness earlier, typically between 55 and 59 years of age, which influenced the decision to lower the initial vaccination age.

The CDC also indicated that booster doses may be needed approximately 15 years after the initial vaccination. Hospital pharmacists can play a critical role in educating patients about this updated recommendation, ensuring those eligible receive timely vaccinations to prevent serious infections.