Call to Action: Lowering the age for routine adult pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.

August 12, 2024, 9:40 pm

Governments to consider following the CDC recommendation lowering the age for routine adult pneumococcal vaccination from 65 to 50 years old.

Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination is more than just a public health strategy —it’s an investment in a resilient healthcare system and a productive workforce. By offering more adults the opportunity to protect themselves before the risk of infection substantially increases, we can proactively reduce the incidence of severe pneumococcal disease, which leads to hospitalizations, long recovery periods, and significant healthcare costs.

This approach not only lessens the burden on health systems by reducing preventable hospital admissions but also protects the workforce by keeping employees healthy and avoiding productivity losses caused by illness. Fewer sick days and shorter recovery times translate into stronger economic outcomes for businesses and the broader economy.

Early vaccination provides a win-win scenario: safeguarding individuals, enhancing healthcare capacity, and supporting economic growth. It’s time to prioritize prevention —because healthier adults mean healthier communities and more resilient economies.

Socio-Economic Value of Adult Immunisation Programmes -OHE

#Vaccination #PublicHealth #Prevention #HealthcareResilience #WorkforceProtection