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Friday, January 10, 2025

Updated CDC guidelines for pneumococcal vaccinations in adults

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have recently updated their recommendations for pneumococcal vaccinations in adults, aiming to enhance protection against diseases like pneumonia. These updates are particularly significant for adults aged 50 and older, as well as those with certain health conditions. Understanding these changes can help individuals make informed decisions about their health.

Source: Mount Sinai Health System
https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/special-topic/
pneumococcal-polysaccharide-vaccine-what-you-need-to-know

What Is Pneumococcal Disease?

Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria that can lead to serious infections, including pneumonia (lung infection), meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord), and bloodstream infections. These conditions can be severe and sometimes life-threatening, making prevention through vaccination crucial.

Updated CDC Recommendations

As of October 20241, the CDC recommends pneumococcal vaccination for:

  • All adults aged 50 years and older: This is a change from the previous guideline, which recommended vaccination starting at age 65.
  • Adults aged 19 through 49 years with certain health conditions: This includes individuals with chronic illnesses or other factors that increase their risk for pneumococcal disease.

Vaccine Options

There are two main types of pneumococcal vaccines available:2

  1. Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines (PCVs): These include PCV15, PCV20, and the newly introduced PCV21.
  2. Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine (PPSV23): This vaccine has been used for many years to protect against pneumococcal disease.

Recommendations for Adults Aged 50 and Older

For adults aged 50 years and older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or whose vaccination history is unknown, the CDC recommends:

  • A single dose of PCV15, PCV20, or PCV21. If PCV15 is administered, it should be followed by a dose of PPSV23 at least one year later to ensure comprehensive protection.

For Those Who Have Previously Been Vaccinated

If you've already received pneumococcal vaccines under the previous guidelines, here's what you need to know:

  • Received PPSV23 only: You should receive a single dose of PCV21, PCV20, or PCV15 at least one year after your last PPSV23 dose.
  • Received PCV13 only: A single dose of PCV21 or PCV20 is recommended at least one year after the PCV13 dose.
  • Received both PCV13 and PPSV23: If you received PCV13 at any age and PPSV23 at or after the age of 65, you have the option to receive a single dose of PCV21 or PCV20. This decision should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your individual health circumstances.

Why the Change?

The CDC updated these recommendations to provide broader protection against pneumococcal disease, especially as certain age groups and individuals with specific health conditions are at increased risk. Expanding the age recommendation to include adults 50 and older aims to reduce the incidence of serious infections in this population.3,4

Next Steps

If you're 50 years or older, or if you have underlying health conditions, it's advisable to:

  • Consult with Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss your vaccination history and determine which pneumococcal vaccine(s) are appropriate for you.
  • Stay Informed: Keep up with CDC recommendations and ensure you're protected against pneumococcal disease.

By staying informed and proactive, you can take important steps to protect yourself from pneumococcal infections and their potential complications.


References:

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Expanded Recommendations for Use of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines—Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, United States, 2024. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. 2025;74(1):1-8. https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7401a1.htm

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Pneumococcal Vaccine Recommendation. October 26, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/pneumococcal/hcp/vaccine-recommendations/index.html

3. Stobbe M. People 50 and older should get pneumococcal vaccine, U.S. health officials recommend. Associated Press. October 23, 2024. https://apnews.com/article/pneumococcal-vaccine-cdc-546bd33b402c30b2b36880d16d45e9db

4. Verywell Health. Why the CDC Now Recommends the Pneumonia Vaccine for Adults 50 and Older. October 31, 2024. https://www.verywellhealth.com/cdc-lowers-pneumonia-vaccine-recommended-age-to-50-8736153

DISCLAIMER: This general information is for educational purposes and not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional.