June 17, 2003

(American College of Physicians) -- Infection with a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae is common and serious. Vaccination against the pneumococcus is effective. Current guidelines recommend a one-time vaccination for pneumococcal disease for all adults over 65 and for younger adults with chronic health conditions.

A new study reports that pneumococcal vaccination may be cost-effective for those 50 to 64. Vaccination would save medical costs for blacks in this age group when they are at high-risk for pneumococcal disease ($27.55 savings per vaccinee) and for other high-risk people ($5.92 per vaccinee). Even for low-risk adults, the cost-effectiveness of vaccination is in the range of other preventive services used for this age group.

An accompanying editorial says that the study "provides strong impetus for lowering the recommended age for universal immunization with pneumococcal vaccine to 50".