From the Research
Yes, the CDC now recommends pneumococcal vaccination starting at age 50, not 65, as stated in the most recent guidelines 1. Adults aged 50 years and older should receive a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20, brand name Prevnar 20) as a single dose. If PCV20 is not available, adults can alternatively receive a dose of PCV15 (Vaxneuvance) followed by a dose of pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23, Pneumovax 23) at least one year later. This updated recommendation, which lowered the age from 65 to 50 years, aims to provide protection earlier in life when many adults begin developing chronic conditions that increase pneumonia risk. The vaccines protect against Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can cause serious infections including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections. Some studies have shown that vaccinating all 50-year-olds with PCV20 or PCV15/PPSV23 could be cost-effective and prevent more cases of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia, particularly in populations with underlying health conditions that become more common in middle age 2, 3. However, the most recent and highest quality study from 2025 supports the new recommendation of starting pneumococcal vaccination at age 50 1. Key points to consider include:
- The CDC's updated recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination starting at age 50
- The use of PCV20 or PCV15/PPSV23 as recommended vaccines
- The potential benefits of earlier vaccination in preventing invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia
- The importance of considering cost-effectiveness and vaccine availability in vaccination strategies.