For the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending adults From the age of 50, people are vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia.

The recommendation marks a 15-year drop from the CDC’s previous recommendation that people get vaccinated at age 65.

“Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but older adults are at greater risk for serious illness and death.” the CDC said in a statement.

Pneumococcal vaccines help protect against serious infections, including invasive diseases that attack parts of the body that are normally germ-free, such as the blood.

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Vaccines also help protect against diseases such as pneumonia and meningitis, sinusitis, and ear infections.

These vaccines are recommended for children younger than 5 years old, people 50 years old and older, and people who are at higher risk for severe illness from pneumococcal infections.

“Lowering the age for pneumococcal vaccination gives more adults the opportunity to protect themselves from pneumococcal disease at an age when the risk of infection increases substantially.” the CDC said.

Pneumococcal bacteria spread through direct contact with respiratory secretions such as saliva or mucus.

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Age, conditions and other factors can increase a person’s risk of contracting the disease; children under 5 years old and adults 65 years old and older are at increased risk.

The symptoms of pneumococcal disease depend on which part of the body is infected and are often similar to other bacterial infections in that part of the body.

Serious infections, such as a lung infection or pneumonia, include chest pains, cough, fever and chills, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing.

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Symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis, an infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord, include confusion, fever, headache, sensitivity to light, and neck stiffness. For babies, symptoms include poor feeding, drinking, lack of alertness, and vomiting.