Merck announced that the province of Saskatchewan has added CAPVAXIVE®?, a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, to its publicly funded adult immunization program. This addition supports increased access to pneumococcal immunization for eligible adults in accordance with the provincial eligibility criteria. CAPVAXIVE®?
is approved by Health Canada for adults 18+ to help prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)--including serious infections like sepsis, meningitis, and bacteremic pneumonia--caused by 21 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes. Surveillance data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (2019-2023) showed that these serotypes accounted for approximately: 65% of IPD cases in adults aged 18-49; 74% of I PD cases in adults aged 50-64; 80% of IPD cases in adult aged 65+. These figures were based on surveillance data and do not reflect the efficacy of CAPVAXIVE®?.
Saskatchewan's decision is informed by the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), which supports CAPVAXIVE®? as an option for adults 65+ and those under 65 at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. Residents are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or local public health office to determine eligibility and access options.
