Panel Suggests Pneumonia Vaccine for Those 50 and Older

A scientific advisory panel recommended reducing the age for pneumococcal vaccinations from 65 to 50 for older adults. The panel voted 14-1 in favor of the move on Wednesday. This potential change is now in the hands of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which typically accepts these suggestions.

Pneumococcal vaccination guidance is often considered "the most complicated" issued by the government. Currently, the CDC advises vaccinations for children under five, adults 65 and older, and individuals with higher risk factors such as diabetes or weakened immune systems. With over 100 strains of pneumococci bacteria, these infections contribute to approximately 30,000 cases yearly in the US, with a significant 30% affecting the 50 to 64 age group.

There are currently four vaccines available, among them Merck's Capvaxive, which the FDA recently approved and is capable of targeting 21 bacteria types. It was recommended by the CDC in June for high-risk adults. Previously, a lower age recommendation was contemplated due to higher infection rates in Black Americans aged 55 to 59. Concerns remain about possible booster requirements within 15 years and the evolution of vaccine improvements, leading Dr. Jamie Loehr, chair of the committee's pneumococcal working group, to express, "Pneumococcal has been a very confusing recommendation for many, many years and it's hard to have a new recommendation every two or three years. His was the sole "nay" vote. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)