13-valent pneumococcal vaccine receives first approval

15 July 2009

15th July 2009 - Chile has become the first country to approve Wyeth’s 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar 13) for infants and children aged 6 weeks to 5 years to prevent pneumococcal meningitis and septicaemia, as well as pneumonia and otitis media (ear infection) caused by 13 pneumococcal serotypes/ strains. 

Prevenar 13 is based on Prevenar 7, the first conjugate pneumococcal vaccine, which was introduced in the childhood immunisation schedule in the UK in 2006 and in the Republic of Ireland in 2008. Prevenar 13 covers six additional strains (1, 3, 5, 6A, 7F and 19A) as well as the seven already included in Prevenar 7 (4, 6B, 9V, 14, 18C, 19F and 23F). These extra strains are increasingly important causes of meningitis and septicaemia in the UK, Ireland and many other countries.

Meningitis Research Foundation's Chief Executive, Christopher Head, commented, “Pneumococcal infection is one of the most deadly forms of meningitis and septicaemia.  The Foundation welcomes any advances that lead to more protective vaccines against this dreadful disease.

“However, it is important to remember that the vaccine doesn’t give total protection - there are over 90 different strains of pneumococcal bacteria, and other kinds of meningitis for which no vaccine exists. Therefore it is essential that people know the symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia and seek medical attention quickly if they are concerned – this could save a life.”

To receive symptoms information directly to your phone simply text MRF to 82088.

Read Wyeth Pharmaceuticals’ press release