FDA Approves Pneumococcal Vaccine for Adults 50-Plus
- By BSTQ Staff
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pfizer’s Prevnar 13 for use in adults 50 years and older. Prevnar 13 can protect against 13 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria, including the most common type of pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumonia. Its approval was based on an accelerated time frame, with Pfizer agreeing to continue to study the effectiveness of the vaccine in adults. Adults ages 65 and older also are able to receive Merck & Co.’s Pneumovax vaccine.