CDC Recommends Lowering Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination to 50 Years Old

CDC Director Mandy Cohen has “endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices' (ACIP) recommendation for lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.” CDC's website has the release.

This new standard will give “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.”

CDC recommends getting vaccinated “against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season.”