The CDC Recommends Lowering the Age for Pneumococcal Vaccination from 65 to 50 years Old

If you are aged 50 to 64 years old, you are now eligible to receive the pneumococcal vaccine. The CDC recently recommended lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.

The CDC decided to lower the age for pneumococcal vaccination to 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;  older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.

Adults 50 years or older should talk with a healthcare provider about getting the pneumococcal vaccine. It is the perfect time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season. If you have not already, please also consider getting vaccinated against other respiratory viruses: COVID-19, flu, and RSV. (Please note: The CDC recommends a RSV vaccine for all adults ages 75 and older and adults ages 60–74 at increased risk of severe RSV.) Staying up-to-date on your vaccines is one of the best things you can do to protect your health.