Category - News
CDC Changes Guidelines for Key Vaccine
As the weather starts to cool down and we spend more time gathered together indoors, the risk of contracting an illness rises as cold and flu season returns. With many considering getting vaccinated ahead of the holidays, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is issuing new guidance on an important vaccination for older Americans.
A new CDC advisory lowers the recommended age that Americans receive a pneumococcal vaccine to help prevent pneumonia and other dangerous illnesses. Previously, Americans over the age of 65 were recommended to get the shot; now, the age has been lowered to 50 and older. Besides older adults, children younger than 5 are also recommended to get the vaccine, as well as both children and adults at an increased risk of contracting pneumococcal disease such as those living with diabetes, chronic liver disease, or weakened immune systems.
"Now is a great time to get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season,” CDC director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement, per Time.
Related: Study Finds Vaccine Effectiveness Changes Depending on Which Arm You Choose
The U.S. sees about 30,000 cases of pneumococcal disease every year. There are more than 100 known types of pneumococci bacteria, which can cause everything from infections in the lungs to blood infections, pneumonia, meningitis, and brain and spine inflammation, among other serious ailments. Of the approximately 30,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease, roughly 30 percent of them are among 50- to 64-year-olds, according to WNBC.
If you're in one of the at-risk groups, don't delay in getting your shot.