This electron microscopic image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and prevention depicts two, round-shaped, Gram-positive, Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. (Janice Haney Carr/CDC via AP)
On Wednesday, U.S. health officials advised that adults aged 50 and older should now get vaccinated against bacteria that can lead to pneumonia and other serious illnesses.
This updated recommendation came from a scientific advisory panel and was subsequently endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Previously, the recommended age for this vaccination was 65, but it has now been lowered.
"With winter respiratory illnesses on the horizon, this is a good time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease," said CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen in a statement on Wednesday evening.
The decision, made after a 14-1 vote by the advisory committee during a meeting in Atlanta, is expected to influence healthcare providers and prompt insurers to cover the cost of the shot.
Guidelines for pneumococcal vaccines are known for being complex. Currently, the CDC advises these vaccinations for children under 5 and adults over 65 who haven’t been vaccinated yet. Individuals with higher risks, such as those with diabetes, chronic liver disease, or weakened immune systems, are also encouraged to get the shot.
Pneumococcal bacteria have over 100 known strains and can cause serious infections, including those in the lungs, bloodstream, and brain. Each year, around 30,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease are reported in the U.S., with about 30% occurring in adults aged 50 to 64.
The first pneumococcal vaccine was introduced in 1977, and since then, new versions have been developed. These vaccines aim to protect against multiple strains with a single dose. Some vaccines have gained and lost popularity over time, like Pfizer’s Prevnar 13, which is no longer available.
Currently, four pneumococcal vaccines are in use. The newest, Merck's Capvaxive, was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year. Costing around $300 per dose, it covers 21 strains, including eight that aren’t covered by other vaccines. A Merck spokesperson highlighted that this vaccine was designed to protect against the strains responsible for most severe infections in people aged 50 and above.
In June, the CDC advisory panel recommended this vaccine for high-risk adults and discussed the possibility of lowering the recommended age for broader use. Notably, they pointed out that infections peak earlier among Black Americans, particularly between ages 55 and 59, compared to white individuals. However, the committee postponed any changes until this week.
There are some ongoing concerns, such as whether a booster shot may be needed in the future, possibly within 15 years. Additionally, new vaccines currently in development may require another update to the recommendations.
"Pneumococcal guidelines have been a source of confusion for years, with updates coming every few years," said Dr. Jamie Loehr, head of the committee’s pneumococcal working group. Dr. Loehr was the sole member to vote against the proposal.
