Prevnar 13 now approved for adults 50 years and older

The indications for Pfizer’s Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine) have been expanded to include use in in adults 50 years of age and older. In this age group the vaccine is indicated for active immunization to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (including sepsis, meningitis, bacteremic pneumonia, pleural empyema and bacteremia) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 9V, 14, 18C, 19A, 19F and 23F. The vaccine was previously indicated for use only in infants and children from six weeks through five years of age.Risk factors for invasive pneumococcal disease include older age, underlying chronic conditions (including chronic lung diseases, chronic heart disease, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis), diabetes, alcoholism, cigarette use, and immunosuppressive conditions (eg, HIV infection, hematologic or generalized malignancies, solid organ and bone marrow transplant recipients, sickle cell disease, functional or anatomic asplenia, long-term use of systemic corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs).Adults 50 years and older, including those previously vaccinated with a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, should receive a single 0.5 mL dose of Prevnar 13, administered intramuscularly into the deltoid muscle of the upper arm.. Regardless of prior pneumococcal vaccination status, if sequential administration of Prevnar 13 and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine is considered, Prevnar 13 should be given first.The National Advisory Committee on Immunization has not yet issued recommendations for the use of Prevnar 13 in Canadian adults. ReferencesPfizer Canada Inc. Health Canada approved extended use of Prevnar 13 in adults 50 years and older (press release). Kirkland, QC; February 15, 2012.Pfizer Canada Inc. Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]) product monograph. Kirkland, QC; January 4, 2012.

Prevnar 13 now approved for adults 50 years and older

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