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13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: A Review of Its Use in Adults

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Abstract

The 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Prevenar 13®, Prevnar 13®) [PCV13] consists of 13 serotype-specific polysaccharides of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), each covalently conjugated to a non-toxic immunogenic carrier protein. PCV13 has a well established immunogenicity and tolerability profile in adults, particularly those ≥50 years of age. Results of CAPiTA, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in >84,000 older adults aged ≥65 years, showed that PCV13 was effective in preventing vaccine-type pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), vaccine-type pneumococcal nonbacteraemic (noninvasive) CAP and vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). These findings, along with changes in pneumococcal serotype distribution and epidemiology of pneumococcal disease, prompted the US Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to recommend PCV13 in series with 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPVS23) for all adults aged ≥65 years. PCV13 also has a role in preventing pneumococcal disease (pneumonia and IPD) in younger adults with immunocompromising conditions and potentially in those with other underlying medical conditions that increase the risk of pneumococcal disease.

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Acknowledgments

During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the agent under review was offered an opportunity to comment on the article. Changes based on any comments received were made by the author on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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    Greg L. Plosker

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Correspondence to Greg L. Plosker.

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The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding.

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Greg Plosker is a salaried employee of Adis/Springer, is responsible for the article content and declares no relevant conflicts of interest.

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The manuscript was reviewed by: A. Torres, Servei de Pneumologia, Hospital Clinic IDIBAPS, Barcelona, Spain; G. Zhanel, Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.

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Plosker, G.L. 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine: A Review of Its Use in Adults. Drugs 75, 1535–1546 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40265-015-0449-z

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