Health officials in the U.S. have recommended that people age 50 and older receive a pneumococcal shot to protect against dangerous illnesses. The decision to lower the age recommendation from 65 to 50 was made by a scientific advisory panel and accepted by the CDC. This marks a significant change in vaccination guidance, as the CDC currently recommends the shot for children under 5 and adults 65 and older, as well as those at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.
Pneumococcal disease, caused by bacteria that can lead to serious infections, affects thousands of Americans each year. The new recommendation aims to protect adults in the 50-64 age group, who account for about 30% of invasive pneumococcal disease cases. The decision to lower the age recommendation was made in response to data showing higher infection rates among Black Americans in their 50s.
Merck’s newly approved Capvaxive vaccine, which costs around $300 per dose and protects against 21 types of bacteria, including those most likely to cause severe disease in adults 50 and older, is now available. This vaccine is the latest addition to the four pneumococcal vaccines currently in use.
The decision to lower the age recommendation for the pneumococcal shot comes amidst a changing landscape of vaccine recommendations. The CDC’s website has not yet been updated to reflect this new guidance, but the vaccine assessment tool on the site can help individuals determine which shots are recommended based on various factors. The recommendation is expected to be widely followed by doctors and health insurers.
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