NEW YORK — On Wednesday, a panel of experts suggested that individuals aged 50 and older should receive a vaccination aimed at combating bacteria responsible for pneumonia and other severe health conditions.
If this advisory is embraced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the threshold age for older adults to receive this vaccine would be lowered from the current starting point of 65 years.
During a meeting held in Atlanta, the committee concluded with a 14-1 vote in favor of this modification. Although the CDC holds the ultimate authority on health recommendations, it generally aligns with the guidance provided by its advisory committees. These recommendations are significantly influential, often leading healthcare providers to offer the vaccines and insurance companies to cover their costs.
The recommendations regarding pneumococcal vaccinations have a reputation for being particularly intricate. At present, the CDC advises vaccinations for children younger than 5 years of age and adults who are 65 and older, provided they have never received vaccination against pneumococcal disease. Additional recommendations extend to any children and adults who are more susceptible to such diseases, including those with chronic conditions like diabetes, liver disease, or compromised immune systems.
Pneumococci bacteria encompass over 100 recognized strains, which can lead to severe infections that affect not just the lungs but other areas of the body, as well. Each year, the United States witnesses approximately 30,000 instances of invasive pneumococcal disease, which may include bloodstream infections, central nervous system inflammation, and various other serious ailments. Notably, around 30% of these cases are found in individuals aged 50 to 64.
Since the first pneumococcal vaccine was authorized in the U.S. in 1977, pharmaceutical companies have developed updated versions that can protect against multiple strains within a single shot. Various vaccines have gained and lost popularity over the years, including Pfizer’s Prevnar 13, which was once a leading product but is no longer available.
Currently, four distinct vaccines are in circulation. The newest addition, Merck’s Capvaxive, received FDA approval this year and is priced around $300 per dose. This vaccine offers protection against 21 different types of pneumococcus, including eight types not covered by other existing vaccines. In June, the CDC advisory panel recognized this vaccine as a viable option for adults who face higher risk.
During the same discussions, the committee considered the possibility of recommending the vaccine for an earlier age group among older adults. They highlighted that infections causing illness peak at ages 55 to 59 among Black Americans, which is notably younger than the corresponding age for white individuals. However, the decision to lower the age threshold was postponed until this week’s meeting.
There are some reservations surrounding the vaccine: it may necessitate booster doses every 15 years, and new vaccine developments could necessitate further updates to the guidelines.
“Pneumococcal recommendations have often confounded both medical professionals and the public for many years, making it challenging to issue new advice every couple of years,” remarked Dr. Jamie Loehr, who leads the pneumococcal working group within the committee. He was the only member to oppose the recommendation.
