Pfizer Receives Approval for 20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine
Wednesday, December 04, 2024
Pfizer has received approval from the Hong Kong Department of Health (DoH) for its 20-valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV20) to prevent invasive disease, pneumonia, and acute otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in infants, children, and adolescents aged six weeks to less than 18 years.
PCV20 is a next-generation vaccine that includes 20 capsular polysaccharide conjugates. It protects against the 13 serotypes present in the 13-valent vaccine, alongside seven additional serotypes associated with invasive disease. It provides the broadest coverage among currently available pneumococcal conjugate vaccines.
This approval builds on the vaccine's existing authorisation for use in adults aged 18 years and older.
The decision provides an additional option for protecting children against 20 pneumococcal serotypes. Pneumonia remains a significant health concern in Hong Kong, where it ranks as the second leading cause of death.
Data from 2023 indicates that pneumonia was responsible for an average of 31 daily fatalities and is one of the most common causes of hospitalisation. Globally, bacterial pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae accounts for 14% of all deaths in children under five years, claiming over 740,000 lives in 2019.
PCV20 extends the coverage provided by the previously approved 13-valent vaccine (PCV13) by including seven additional serotypes (8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F). These serotypes have been linked to antibiotic resistance, severe disease, invasive infections, and their prevalence in paediatric pneumococcal cases.
As Pfizer’s most comprehensive pneumococcal vaccine, PCV20 offers protection against serotypes associated with high case-fatality rates, meningitis, and other invasive pneumococcal diseases.
Parents are encouraged to consult healthcare providers for more information about the vaccine and its use.
Source: prnewswire.com
