Updated CDC Recommendations Aim to Help Protect Millions of People 50 and Older and Adults at High Risk from Potentially Serious Lung Infection

Each year, an estimated 150,000 people in the United States are hospitalized due to pneumococcal pneumonia, the most common form of bacterial pneumonia. To help protect people from this potentially serious lung disease, the American Lung Association, in partnership with Pfizer, is raising awareness about updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and urging individuals at risk to get vaccinated.

To help people stay healthy, the CDC issued updated pneumococcal vaccination recommendations for adults to expand eligibility. The following groups are recommended for vaccination:
•    All adults aged 50 and older.
•    Adults aged 19-49 with certain underlying medical conditions and risk factors such as chronic lung disease, chronic heart disease, diabetes, or those who smoke cigarettes.

"Pneumococcal pneumonia can strike any time of year, and when it does, the disease can disrupt a person’s life for weeks and, in severe cases, result in hospitalization or even death. Thankfully, vaccination is available to help protect against pneumococcal pneumonia,” said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "If you've been vaccinated before, it's still essential to talk to your healthcare provider, as additional vaccinations may be recommended, depending on the type or timing of vaccination received previously."

Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial infection. Unlike some illnesses, developing pneumococcal disease once does not protect against getting it again. Symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia can develop quickly and include fever, chills, cough, difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, and chest pain.

Adults with chronic health conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes, or chronic heart disease face increased risk for pneumococcal pneumonia. Data shows that adults aged 50 and older are 6.4 times more likely to develop pneumococcal pneumonia than younger adults aged 18-49. For those aged 65 and older, the risk of hospitalization increases more than tenfold.

The American Lung Association and Pfizer are committed to increasing awareness about pneumococcal pneumonia and ensuring those at risk have access to lifesaving information and resources. For more details on pneumococcal pneumonia and vaccination, visit Lung.org/pneumococcal.