Pfizer’s 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20), marketed under the brand name APEXXNAR, has been approved by the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to protect against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
This vaccine is for individuals aged 18 years and older, demonstrating Pfizer’s commitment to prevent potentially-serious respiratory diseases.
The approval of APEXXNAR in Singapore, the first in Southeast Asia, highlights Pfizer’s two-decade experience in developing and providing innovative pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that significantly impact the global disease burden.
This approval also aligns with Singapore’s Healthier SG initiative, which focuses on improving population health and quality of life through proactive preventive care, regular screening, and recommended vaccinations.
According to the Singapore Ministry of Health, pneumonia is the third leading cause of death and the fourth most common cause for hospitalization, resulting in over 4,000 deaths annually. Singapore is facing a rising burden of the disease due to the increasing prevalence of new infectious variants and a rapidly ageing population.
Dr. Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease expert at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, encourages all adults to take preventive care measures and vaccinate against this disease.
“With the approval of APEXXNAR and in line with the Healthier SG initiative, we encourage all adults to take proactive steps towards preventive care and vaccinate against this disease,” said Dr. Leong. – BusinessNewsAsia.com