Many more adults would have access to health-protecting vaccines for pneumococcal disease, if the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices updates its recommendations during its October meeting. Doing so would increase access to life-protecting vaccines and provide tangible public health benefits.
Protecting At-Risk Communities Sooner
Broadening age-based recommendations from age 65 to 50 could help address long-standing inequalities in access to health care. A health care system relieved of treating vaccine-preventable diseases can redirect resources to other challenges, like improving health equity.
For example, Black Americans experience the onset of chronic conditions like heart disease and diabetes 5-to-10 years earlier than the general population. Their health declines earlier and they face higher rates of mortality for age-related health conditions, especially among those living in urban areas. This combination of factors put Black Americans at higher risk for pneumococcal disease and complications.
Although vaccines to prevent pneumococcal disease have been available for 40 years, just 8% of adults aged 50-64 were vaccinated, the lowest of any age group. By expanding recommendations and collaborating with providers to increase vaccine coverage, the Advisory Committee has the potential to encourage adults to get vaccinated earlier, helping to prevent serious infections and reduce related health care complications.
A Public Health Approach
As the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices deliberates on pneumococcal vaccine recommendations, advocates hope the members consider the wide-ranging benefits of lowering the age of recommendation to 50. Increasing vaccine access would not only reduce many infections, but also address health disparities affecting millions of Americans. It’s time to protect adults earlier, improve population health and support a more equitable health care system.
