Pfizer Inc. announced today that the European Commission has approved the Company's pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, Prevenar 13* (pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine 13-valent, adsorbed), for active immunization for the prevention of vaccine-type invasive disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults aged 50 years and older.
"Prevenar 13, the first and only pneumococcal conjugate vaccine approved by the European Commission for use in adults, has the potential to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease in adults aged 50 and older - a time of life when the risk for contracting the disease begins to increase," said Emilio Emini, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, Vaccine Research, Pfizer Inc. "It is important that older adults talk to their health care provider about pneumococcal disease prevention and Prevenar 13 as part of a plan for healthy aging." The European Commission's decision to authorize this new indication for Prevenar 13 followed a review of clinical immunogenicity and safety data involving more than 6,000 adults aged 50 years and older.
Indication for Prevenar 13 in Adults 50+ in the European Union Prevenar 13 is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults aged 50 years and older.
This indication covers the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease caused by the 13 serotypes contained in the vaccine and is for a single dose of Prevenar 13 in adults aged 50 years and older.
Regardless of prior pneumococcal vaccination status, if the use of 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine is considered appropriate, Prevenar 13 should be given first.