The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has made a major change to its age recommendations for a widespread vaccine.

First, Adults as young as 50, CDC says should be vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia; This is a significant reduction from the previous recommendation that people should be vaccinated at age 65.

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against serious diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis, as well as other diseases such as sinusitis and ear infections. It is recommended for children under 5 years of age, the elderly, and people at high risk of becoming seriously ill from pneumococcal infections.

The vaccine change is an effort to reduce the number of people who get sick with pneumonia — some of whom need to be hospitalized.

“Lowering the pneumococcal vaccine age gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at ages when the risk of infection increases significantly. Pneumococcal bacteria can cause serious illnesses such as pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, and older adults are at increased risk for pneumococcal disease.” In the statement made by the CDC, it was said:

People spread pneumococcal bacteria to others through direct contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus. Symptoms usually appear within three days after the bacteria enter the body; Patients complain of chest pain, cough, fever, chills, and rapid or difficult breathing. Older adults may also experience confusion or reduced alertness.

Serious infections can result in sepsis, long-term breathing problems, and even death.

Vaccination is considered the best way to prevent infection, the CDC said.