Merck’s CAPVAXIVE™ Approved for Pneumococcal Vaccination in Adults 50+
Merck's CAPVAXIVE™ vaccine is now recommended by the CDC for adults 50 and older to prevent pneumococcal diseases.
Breaking News
Oct 24, 2024
Simantini Singh Deo

Merck (NYSE: MRK), also known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada, has announced a significant update from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has voted to revise its guidelines on pneumococcal vaccination, now recommending Merck’s CAPVAXIVE™ (Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine) for adults aged 50 and above.
The newly updated guidelines state that a single dose of CAPVAXIVE should be given to:
Adults 50 years and older who have never received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine or for whom vaccination history is unclear.
Adults aged 19-49 with specific underlying health conditions or risk factors who have not received a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine previously.
Individuals aged 19 and older who began their vaccination with PCV13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine) but haven't completed the full series with the recommended PPSV23 (pneumococcal 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine).
Additionally, the guidelines suggest discussing the option of a supplemental dose of CAPVAXIVE for adults aged 65 and older who have completed their vaccination series with both PCV13 and PPSV23.
CAPVAXIVE is designed to help prevent invasive diseases and pneumonia caused by multiple serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae in individuals aged 18 and older. However, it should not be administered to anyone with a history of severe allergic reactions to any components of the vaccine or to diphtheria toxoid.
The approval for CAPVAXIVE’s indication for preventing pneumonia is based on accelerated approval through immune response data, specifically opsonophagocytic activity (OPA). Continued approval may require further verification of clinical benefits through additional trials.
Dr. Eliav Barr, senior vice president, head of global clinical development and chief medical officer, Merck Research Laboratories, said in a statement, “The CDC’s decision to lower the age-based vaccination recommendations to begin at age 50 has the potential to be a practice-changing milestone. This recommendation is a significant step forward in efforts to enhance equitable access and may improve vaccination rates. We’re pleased about this progress and thank the CDC for their commitment to addressing invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumococcal pneumonia in adults.