FDA approves new use of Pfizer vaccine

NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a new use for a pneumococcal vaccine made by Pfizer, the drug maker said.

Pfizer announced the approval of Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]) for children and adolescents ages 6 years to 17 years for active immunization against the 13 Streptococcus pneumonia serotypes the vaccine covers. For this group, Prevnar 13 is administered as a one-time dose to patients who have never received it.

The approval was the result of an FDA review of a phase-3 trial of the vaccine in 592 older children and adolescents, including those with asthma.

Interested in this topic? Sign up for our weekly DSN Collaborative Care e-newsletter.