CDC urges vaccinations against pneumonia for people age 65+

Each year we’re urged to get a flu shot to reduce our chances of catching influenza and spreading it to others. Many of us now are advised to consider vaccinating ourselves against pneumonia too.

Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. Depending on the cause, pneumonia can often be treated with medicine. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines can prevent some types of pneumonia.¹

Forget the old saying about catching pneumonia because you went outside with wet hair. The CDC says pneumonia is caused by certain bacteria, viruses and fungi.² Complications from other illnesses—even the cold or flu—can lead to pneumonia.³ People over 65 are among the groups at greater risk of developing pneumonia, as are smokers, those with ongoing medical issues, and children under 5.⁴

It’s important to note that not all strains of pneumonia are the same. Because pneumonia can develop from a variety of causes, pneumonia vaccines are only effective against some of them. Once you have pneumonia, antibiotics are the most common form of treatment.

The CDC has issued recommendations for adults 65 or older for 2 types of vaccines that guard against pneumonia. Specifically, the vaccines are designed to help prevent pneumococcal disease, an infection caused by certain bacteria that can lead to pneumonia. Both vaccines are safe and effective, but they can’t be given at the same time.

Here’s a summary of the CDC’s recommendations.⁵

Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV23)

CDC recommends all adults 65 years or older get a shot of PPSV23.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13)

CDC recommends adults 65 years or older get a shot of PCV13 if they have never received a dose and have a:

• Condition that weakens the immune system
• Cerebrospinal fluid leak
• Cochlear implant

These recommendations were updated in late 2019 after some good news emerged concerning pneumonia. According to the CDC, use of the PCV13 vaccine in children has led to sharp declines in pneumococcal disease in both children and adults. As a result, the CDC changed its guidelines to reduce routine PCV13 vaccinations for adults over 65. Now only those who meet the criteria listed above need to have the PCV13 shot.⁶

A routine bone mineral density test, or bone mass measurement, detects signs of osteoporosis.¹ If detected, your doctor can take steps to help you strengthen your bones.

Find out if you should get one

Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones and increases the risk of breaks, fractures and other painful symptoms.²

Although osteoporosis is more likely to occur in certain age groups, it can develop in anyone.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor to talk about whether you need a bone mineral density test.

Find a doctor

Who can get osteoporosis?

Everyone's bones lose mass and become thinner and more fragile with age. The National Osteoporosis Foundation recommends³ you have a bone mineral density test if:

• You're a woman over 65
• You're a woman of menopausal age with risk factors
• You're a postmenopausal woman with risk factors
• You're a man over 70
• You're a man aged 50–69 with risk factors
• You break a bone after age 50

Factors that can increase your risk of osteoporosis include:⁴

• Smoking
• Lack of exercise
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Not enough calcium and vitamin D
• Extended use of steroid medications
• A family history of osteoporosis or being of European or Asian descent
• A history of medical issues that inhibit calcium absorption, such as hyperthyroidism⁵

What happens during a bone mineral density test?

All of the different types of tests are generally easy and painless. Typically, a person remains fully dressed, and the test takes less than 15 minutes. No needles are used.

Some tests can be done in a doctor’s office, while other scans are done at a radiology department or clinic.

Types of tests include:

• Central DXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry): measures the hip and spine or radius bone in the forearm; uses very little radiation
• Screening tests, also called peripheral tests: measure the lower arm, wrist, finger or heel; several types of tests are offered

What happens after a bone mineral density test?

Bone density test results are most often given as T-scores. According to the World Health Organization, higher scores are better.

Your doctor may use your bone density test score to determine your risk factors for osteoporosis and recommend ways to reduce your chances of breaking a bone, or prescribe medication to treat your osteoporosis.

Take charge of your health

Sign in to MyHumana for more information about osteoporosis.

To learn more about preventive tests, screenings and positive steps that may improve your health, visit Humana’s MyHealth section.

Sources

1. Pneumonia, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed Apr. 25, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/.
2. “Pneumonia Can Be Prevented—Vaccines Can Help,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed Apr. 25, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/prevention.html.
3. “Causes of Pneumonia,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, last accessed Apr. 25, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/pneumonia/causes.html.
4. “Pneumonia Can Be Prevented.”
5. “Pneumonia Can Be Prevented.”
6. Almea Matanock, et al, “Use of 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine and 23-Valent Pneumococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine Among Adults Aged ≥65 Years: Updated Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (November 22, 2019): 68(46): 1069–1075. Last accessed Apr. 25, 2022, doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6846a5.