The recommended first age at which Americans should get the pneumococcal vaccine has been lowered from 65 to 50, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Wednesday.
“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,” CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in an agency statement.
“Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses, including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease,” she explained.
Earlier yesterday, the CDC advisory panel had previously voted 14 to 1 to lower the vaccination age, and Cohen approved the move soon after.
Prior recommendations had advised the pneumococcal shot for two vulnerable age groups: children under the age of 5 and seniors age 65 and older. People of other ages with certain health conditions are also advised to get the shot.
What causes pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae and related forms of pneumococci bacteria.
“Over 150,000 hospitalizations from pneumococcal pneumonia are estimated to occur annually in the United States and it has been demonstrated to complicate influenza infection,” according to the CDC.
“Pneumococci is the most common bacterial cause of childhood pneumonia, especially in children younger than age 5 years,” the agency noted. “In adults, pneumococci account for 10% to 30% of adult community-acquired pneumonia.”
The very first pneumococcal vaccine was licensed in the United States in 1977.
According to the Associated Press, there are four types of pneumococcal vaccine available to Americans, including Capvaxive, made by Merck, which can cost around $300 a dose and protects against 21 types of pneumococci, eight more than other vaccines.
The CDC advisory panel noted that pneumococcal illness tends to appear earlier in Black Americans — between 55 and 59 years of age — compared to whites. That was part of the experts’ reasoning that the age of first vaccination should be lowered, the AP reported.
It’s possible that booster shots of the vaccine may be required about 15 years after the first shot.
What is pneumococcal disease?
Pneumococcal disease, a serious infection caused by the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, disproportionately affects Black Americans. This disparity is rooted in a complex interplay of socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and biological vulnerabilities.
A factor contributing to the higher incidence of pneumococcal disease in Black Americans is access to health care. Disparities in healthcare access and quality can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment, increasing the severity of the infection and the risk of complications. Black Americans are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured, making it difficult to afford preventive care, such as pneumococcal vaccination. Additionally, racial bias in the healthcare system can lead to disparities in the quality of care provided to Black Americans, including inadequate treatment for pneumococcal disease.
Biological factors also play a role in the higher incidence of pneumococcal disease in Black Americans. Some studies have suggested that genetic differences may make Black individuals more susceptible to certain strains of pneumococcal bacteria. Additionally, certain underlying health conditions, such as sickle cell disease, which is more common in Black Americans, can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of infection.
To address the disproportionate burden of pneumococcal disease in Black Americans, it is essential to implement comprehensive strategies that address the underlying social, economic, and biological factors. This includes increasing access to affordable healthcare, improving the quality of care provided to Black Americans, and promoting pneumococcal vaccination. Additionally, efforts to address social determinants of health, such as poverty, housing, and education, are crucial for reducing health disparities.
More information
Find out more about pneumococcal disease at the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases.
SOURCES: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, statement, Oct. 23, 2024; Associated Press