This electron microscopy image provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows two round-shaped Gram-positive Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria. Hide AP/CDC Caption
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For the first time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has lowered the recommended age for pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50.
“Lowering the age range for pneumococcal vaccination will give more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at an age when their risk of infection significantly increases,” the CDC said in a statement.
“Pneumococci can cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at higher risk of pneumococcal disease.”
Wednesday’s advisory comes as respiratory infections caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae are on the rise across the United States, especially in children, according to the CDC. This marks a change from previous years, when most cases involved older children and adolescents.
This year, the number of people diagnosed with the bacteria that causes pneumonia, or bronchitis, has increased over the past six months and peaked in August, authorities said.
Mycoplasma pneumonia causes respiratory infections such as pneumonia and can be spread as droplets through sneezing or coughing. Symptoms vary depending on the type of infection, but some common symptoms include fatigue, fever, and cough, according to the CDC. Children under 5 years of age may have diarrhea, runny nose, and vomiting.
Some people may be infected but have no symptoms. People with pneumonia who do not require bed rest or hospital treatment may have a milder form of the infection known as “walking pneumonia.” A person may develop pneumonia more than once.
Approximately 2 million infections due to Mycoplasma pneumonia are diagnosed each year, although the actual number is likely much higher.
Treatment for pneumonia may include antibiotics, and some people recover without drugs, according to the CDC. There are currently two vaccines available in the United States to prevent pneumonia. There are four vaccines in the United States that target 15 or more pneumococcal strains.
The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices also announced Wednesday that people age 65 and older who are moderately or severely immunocompromised should be given an additional, up-to-date COVID-19 booster shot six months after their first booster shot. Voted in favor of recommending therapy.
“This vote allows people to make the best decisions possible to protect themselves and their loved ones from COVID-19,” CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen said in a statement. “CDC continues to educate the public about how and when to get the latest vaccinations to reduce their risk of serious illness and help them do more of the things they love.”
The number of coronavirus infections is decreasing across the United States, according to data from the CDC.
