FDA Licenses Merck’s New 21-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV21) for Adults

On June 17, the FDA licensed Capvaxive (PCV21) for adults 18 and older, targeting 11 unique serotypes not covered by other vaccines. The CDC's ACIP has recommended PCV21 for adults 19 and older, and the CDC Director adopted this recommendation on June 27, 2024. PCV21 offers broader protection against invasive pneumococcal disease, covering up to 84% of the serotypes causing disease in adults.

For more information, the package insert and approval letter are available on the FDA's website: https://www.fda.gov/vaccines-blood-biologics/capvaxive

American Medical Association coverage: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/new-acip-recommendations-rsv-covid-19-and-pneumococcal-vaccines-plus