In a recent report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that American adults over age 50 get the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV). This is an update from a previous recommendation that only people aged 65 and older and younger people (between 19 and 64) at risk for pneumonia get vaccinated. CDC recommends different types of PCV vaccines based on each person’s age and medical condition. 

The CDC announcement follows a recommendation by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) issued last October. These recommendations regarding younger adults continue in the revised guidance. In a statement, CDC stated, “The recommendation was supported by several factors, including the potential to improve vaccination coverage and reduce pneumococcal disease incidence and mortality in adults aged 50 to 64 years, particularly among demographic groups experiencing higher disease rates.”

Pneumococcal pneumonia causes about 225,000 adult hospitalizations in the United States every year. In 2022, people between the ages of 50 and 64 had higher incidences of infection, second only to those aged 65 and older. 

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has made the recommendation that long-term care facility teams review vaccination guidance and information with residents and families. The association stressed the need for these individuals to have “the latest, most accurate information about vaccines, especially as we see an uptick in these respiratory viruses as is typical in January and February of each year.” These conversations should take place, said AHCA/NCAL, even with residents who have received vaccines in the past, some of which may still be current.