02/03/23
MARCH 2, 2023, KIRKLAND, QC – The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) has provided a strong recommendation for PREVNAR 20 for the following adult populations who have not been previously immunized with a pneumococcal vaccine or whose vaccination status is unknown:
This is the first time that NACI has provided a strong recommendation (other than in adults with immunocompromising conditions) for a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to be considered for a publicly funded program.
"Immunization with PREVNAR 20 can play an important role in helping to reduce the burden of pneumococcal disease in adults,” says Ana Gabriela Grajales, Medical Affairs Primary Care and Hospital Lead at Pfizer Canada. “This recommendation further supports the importance of PREVNAR 20 in helping protect Canadian adults against pneumococcal disease caused by the serotypes included in the vaccine.”
About Pneumococcal Disease
Streptococcus pneumoniae, a gram positive bacterium, causes invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) such as meningitis and bacteremic pneumonia, and non-invasive disease such as pneumococcal non-bacteremic pneumonia in adults worldwide.[1] [2] It is associated with high morbidity and mortality, particularly in older adults and those with chronic medical conditions.[3] S. pneumoniae can be spread by direct oral contact, respiratory droplets, or indirect contact with respiratory secretions of infected or colonized persons (e.g. by sneezing, coughing or talking).[4]
About NACI
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is an external advisory body that provides the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) independent advice and recommendations based upon the best current available scientific knowledge to address questions relating to immunization.
About PREVNAR 20 in Canada
PREVNAR 20 was approved by Health Canada in May 2022 for use in active immunization for the prevention of pneumonia and invasive pneumococcal disease (including sepsis, meningitis, bacteremic pneumonia, pleural empyema and bacteremia) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in adults 18 years of age and older.[5]
About Pfizer Canada
Pfizer Canada ULC is the Canadian operation of Pfizer Inc., one of the world's leading biopharmaceutical companies. Our diversified healthcare portfolio includes some of the world's best known and most prescribed medicines and vaccines. We apply science and our global resources to improve the health and well-being of Canadians at every stage of life. Our commitment is reflected in everything we do, from our disease awareness initiatives to our community partnerships. To learn more about Pfizer Canada, visit pfizer.ca or you can follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
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For further information:
Corporate Affairs Canada
1-866-9PFIZER (1-866-973-4937)
[email protected]
References
[1] Berical AC, Harris D, Dela Cruz CS, Possick JD. Pneumococcal Vaccination Strategies. An Update and Perspective. Ann Am Thorac Soc 2016; 13(6): 933-44.
[2] Said MA, Johnson HL, Nonyane BA, et al. Estimating the burden of pneumococcal pneumonia among adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis of diagnostic techniques. PLoS One 2013; 8(4): e60273.
[3] McLaughlin JM, Jiang Q, Isturiz RE, et al. Effectiveness of 13-Valent Pneumococcal ConjugateVaccine Against Hospitalization for Community-Acquired Pneumonia in Older US Adults: A Test-Negative Design. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 67(10): 1498-506.
[4] Government of Canada, Invasive Pneumococcal Disease, Invasive Pneumococcal Disease - Canada.ca, Accessed December, 2022
[5] PREVNAR 20 Product Monograph, Accessed December 2022.