Advocates are celebrating as their collective efforts to break down barriers for vaccine-preventable diseases pay off.
During its October 23 meeting, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted 14-1 in favor of lowering the current age-based recommendations for pneumococcal disease. The new recommendation will now be 50, down from 65.
Advocacy In Action
The policy change is an example of the power of effective advocacy. The Alliance for Patient Access spearheaded a campaign aimed at encouraging committee members to consider the benefits of lowering the recommended age: advancing population health, disease prevention and health equity.
More than 30 organizations signed on to the letter. Among the signers are groups representing patient advocates, health care providers and seniors’ wellbeing among others. The lower recommendation showcases the strength of unified voices rallying behind a cause.
Adults 50 years or older should talk with a health care provider to make sure they’re up to date with pneumococcal vaccination. Now is a great time to consider getting vaccinated against pneumococcal disease in preparation for the winter respiratory season.
To learn more about the health-protecting vaccines for pneumococcal disease and this important ACIP decision, read “Reducing Health Inequities Through Vaccination.”
