Which group is recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine (as listed in the source material)?

Which group is recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine (as listed in the source material)?

• A. Children under 5 are automatically excluded from vaccination.
• B. Adults 19-49 with risk factors should never receive pneumococcal vaccine.
• C. Pneumococcal vaccine is only given to travelers.
• D. Adults 65 and older are recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine.

Answer: (D)

Pneumococcal vaccination is most strongly recommended for adults 65 and older. As people age, the risk of severe pneumococcal disease—such as invasive bloodstream infections, meningitis, and pneumonia—rises, and the immune system’s ability to fight infections can decline. Vaccinating this age group reduces the likelihood of serious illness and its complications, making them the primary target for routine vaccination. The other statements don’t fit standard guidance. Vaccines are not automatically excluded for children under 5; in fact, young children are a key group for pneumococcal vaccination with the recommended pediatric vaccines. Vaccination is not limited to travelers, and adults 19–49 with risk factors should be vaccinated when applicable rather than “never” receiving it.

Pneumococcal vaccination is most strongly recommended for adults 65 and older. As people age, the risk of severe pneumococcal disease—such as invasive bloodstream infections, meningitis, and pneumonia—rises, and the immune system’s ability to fight infections can decline. Vaccinating this age group reduces the likelihood of serious illness and its complications, making them the primary target for routine vaccination.

The other statements don’t fit standard guidance. Vaccines are not automatically excluded for children under 5; in fact, young children are a key group for pneumococcal vaccination with the recommended pediatric vaccines. Vaccination is not limited to travelers, and adults 19–49 with risk factors should be vaccinated when applicable rather than “never” receiving it.