Pneumonia vaccines for adults are now recommended starting at age 50 – a geriatrician explains the change

A new version of the pneumonia vaccine that specifically targets strains that affect adults helped spur the updated recommendations. zoranm/E+ via Getty Images

Autumn brings a chill in the air – and the start of another season of respiratory illnesses, which can be especially hard for older adults.

Although vaccine recommendations have been in flux, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendations on respiratory vaccines for older adults remain robust.