For the first time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced that adults as young as 50 can get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia, significantly lowering the recommendation previously set at age 65.
The CDC made this recommendation because older adults are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease and also recommends that very young children receive the vaccine.
This week has been a busy week for the CDC and vaccines. Health authorities have lowered the recommended age for pneumonia shots and recommended adults over 65 and younger people with weakened immune systems receive a second dose of a newly updated coronavirus vaccine. At least six months after the last COVID-19 vaccination.
Special vaccine recommendations are given to older adults because the risk of serious illness, especially those caused by respiratory viruses, often increases with age in adults. But that means there’s a lot to keep track of. Some people may not have received the annual flu vaccine (October and November are the best times to get the shot), the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine available to some people, and even the latest COVID-19 vaccine. If you also take the facts into account, it’s easy to lose track of which vaccine you need if you were vaccinated before the CDC recommended a second booster.
If you’re 50 or older, here’s what vaccines you’ll be eligible for this fall and winter.
Pneumococcal vaccine: 50 years and older
Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs caused by various bacteria, viruses, and fungi. One cause of pneumonia is infection with a type of bacteria that causes pneumococcal disease, for which there is a vaccine. Recommended for first-timers who are over 50 years old.
Pneumonia is especially dangerous for people with chronic diseases that affect the lungs and airways. In addition to lung infections, pneumococcal vaccines can also help prevent other illnesses caused by pneumococci, such as meningitis and bloodstream infections.
In certain cases where the risk of pneumococcal disease is high, young people are also encouraged to receive the vaccine. Consult your doctor if you think you need additional protection.
RSV vaccine: For everyone over 75, including those 60.
According to the CDC, the RSV vaccine is recommended for everyone age 75 and older.
Adults between the ages of 60 and 74 can also receive the Rvirus vaccine if they have health conditions that make them susceptible to severe respiratory syncytial virus, which causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract (respiratory tract). This includes adults in their 60s and early 70s with heart disease, lung disease, or a weakened immune system. Some people are diabetic or obese. and people living in nursing homes.
If you are under 75 and not sure if you need the RSV vaccine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Also, unlike influenza and coronavirus vaccines, the RSV vaccine is not currently considered an annual vaccination, so if you have already received one, there is no need to get a new one.
Influenza vaccine: everyone
With rare exceptions, annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. However, it is especially important for older people to get vaccinated because they are more likely to develop serious illness and vaccinations can help reduce the chance of serious illness.
There are different types of influenza vaccines available, and older adults are usually given higher doses of the vaccine that provide more immunity. For more information, please see the announcement regarding this year’s influenza vaccine.
First COVID-19 vaccination for 2024-2025: Everyone
Because we are no longer in a pandemic and the spread of the coronavirus is becoming more predictable, vaccine guidance for the coronavirus has become more streamlined and similar to the rollout of the annual flu shot. Just as the flu vaccine is updated every year, health officials have selected vaccines that target newer versions of the coronavirus that make people sick.
With rare exceptions, anyone six months of age or older can receive the latest 2024-2025 coronavirus vaccination. Adults can choose from three brands: Moderna, Pfizer, and Novavax. For more information about this year’s coronavirus vaccines, read how Novavax compares to two mRNA vaccines.
Second COVID-19 vaccination in 2024-2025: 65 years and older and some young people
The CDC this week recommended a second dose of the 2024-2025 coronavirus vaccine this season for adults 65 and older or those with compromised immune systems.
Importantly, it is recommended to use it 6 months after the first use. This means that if you received the latest vaccine last month, in September, you will have to wait until March 2025 to get the booster shot.
The CDC made this recommendation because it allows people and their doctors “flexibility” to decide whether to add additional protection based on their personal health status.
Ask your doctor about other vaccines or boosters
There are other vaccines that adults should continue to receive even outside of respiratory virus season. For example, the vaccine against shingles is recommended for all adults age 50 and older.
The Tdap vaccine is also recommended every 10 years for most adults and also protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. Some adults may also need a hepatitis vaccine.
To get the best advice for your specific health condition, ask your doctor if you are up to date on all required vaccines.
