At what age should adults receive the PNA vaccine if they are smokers or have asthma?

Adults who are smokers or have asthma are at an increased risk for pneumonia, making vaccination against pneumococcal disease crucial for these populations. The recommendation for pneumococcal vaccination is to start administering it at age 19 and continue to do so until age 64, particularly if individuals have certain risk factors such as chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or engage in behaviors like smoking.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of protecting this demographic, given that they have a higher likelihood of complications from pneumonia. Therefore, starting the vaccination at age 19 and continuing up to age 64 aligns with established health recommendations designed to reduce morbidity and mortality from pneumococcal infections in high-risk adult populations.

Choosing to vaccinate at this age range helps ensure that individuals have adequate protection during their most vulnerable years before reaching the age where general recommendations shift for pneumococcal vaccinations, typically starting again around age 65.