Drug Database
PN

pneumococcal vaccine (Prevenar 7 / Prevenar / PnC + MPL)

✓ Approved

Pfizer, Inc. · Vaccine · Vaccine

What is pneumococcal vaccine?

pneumococcal vaccine is a vaccine developed by Pfizer, Inc.. It is approved for therapeutic indications via injectable (others) or intramuscular (im) injection or subcutaneous injection.

Drug Profile

Brand NamesPrevenar 7, Prevenar, PnC + MPL
CompanyPfizer, Inc.
Drug ClassVaccine
RouteInjectable (Others), Intramuscular (IM) Injection, Subcutaneous Injection
StatusApproved
Sources: ClinicalTrials.gov, Pfizer, Inc.

Therapeutic Indications

pneumococcal vaccine is developed for 3 unique indications across 2 therapeutic areas.

Therapeutic AreaConditionPhase
Infections and infestationsOtitis media✓ Approved
Infections and infestationsPneumococcal infection✓ Approved
Ear and labyrinth disordersMiddle ear inflammation✓ Approved

Related Research Articles

PubMedPneumonia (Nathan Qld.)2026-07-25

Pneumococcal pneumonia in adults - re-emergence of vaccine serotypes: a prospective multicenter cohort study in Germany, 2020-2023.

Bahrs Christina C, Rose Norman N, Barten-Neiner Grit G, Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin C et al.

The main burden of non-invasive pneumococcal diseases in adults is largely due to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). This study aimed to investigate the distribution and dynamics of pneumococcal vaccine serotypes and to determine the proportion of CAP cases attributable to serotypes covered by 13-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV13), the 20-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV20), and the 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) among adults in Germany from 2020 to 2023. In this prospective multicenter cohort study, we analyzed all adult patients with CAP enrolled between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023, at 26 centers in Germany who provided urine samples for serotype-specific urine antigen detection (SSUAD) testing. Annual trends of pneumococcal vaccine serotypes from 2020 to 2023 were calculated for all patients and patient groups at risk using cluster-robust generalized linear models with heteroscedasticity-consistent standard errors. Of the 2,028 patients with all-cause CAP, 1,504 (1,008 patients aged ≥ 60 years, 373 younger patients with at least one comorbidity) had urine samples analyzed with SSUAD tests. Overall proportion of vaccine-type pneumococcal pneumonia among all-cause CAP for PCV13, PCV20, and PPV23 serotypes was 5.41% (95% CI 4.12-7.06%), 8.11% (95% CI 6.35-10.31%), and 8.31% (95% CI 6.27-10.93%), and serotype 3 was the most prevalent serotype (52 cases). Among patients aged ≥ 60 years, an increasing annual trend was observed for serotype 3 (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.01-2.67), PCV13 (OR 1.89, 95% CI 0.89-2.89), PCV20 (OR 1.57, 95% CI 0.99-2.14), and PPV23 serotypes (OR 1.47, 1.04-1.91). The findings demonstrate that vaccine serotypes, particularly serotype 3, continued to circulate and reemerged among older adults with CAP in Germany.

PMID 42498972
Read full article →
PubMedFrontiers in public health2026-07-25

Respiratory symptoms, vaccination coverage, and antibiotic use among Hajj pilgrims: a multi-season cross sectional study (2023-2025).

Qashqari Fadi S I FSI

Respiratory tract infections are the most frequently reported illnesses during Hajj, one of the world's largest recurring mass gatherings. The convergence of millions of pilgrims from diverse geographic regions in Makkah, Saudi Arabia creates conditions conducive to the transmission of respiratory pathogens. Understanding patterns of infection, vaccination coverage, and antibiotic use across multiple seasons is essential to inform preventive strategies. A multi-season cross-sectional study was conducted during three consecutive Hajj seasons (2023-2025). Adult pilgrims were recruited and interviewed using a standardized structured questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic characteristics, vaccination history (meningococcal, influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal), comorbidities, smoking behavior, respiratory symptoms, healthcare-seeking behavior, and antibiotic use. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors independently associated with respiratory symptoms and antibiotic consumption. A total of 712 human participants (adult Hajj pilgrims) were enrolled. Overall, 38.9% reported at least one respiratory symptom at the time of assessment, with cough (28.1%), sore throat (23.5%), and runny nose (21.9%) being most common. Chronic lung disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.36; 95% CI 1.42-3.92), presence of ≥1 chronic condition (aOR 1.58; 95% CI 1.12-2.24), and current smoking (aOR 1.74; 95% CI 1.15-2.63) were independently associated with respiratory symptoms. Influenza vaccination was associated with reduced odds of multi-symptom respiratory illness (aOR 0.72; 95% CI 0.53-0.98). Among symptomatic participants, 29.6% reported antibiotic use, frequently in the absence of febrile illness. Vaccination coverage was high for meningococcal vaccine (96.1%), while pneumococcal vaccination coverage remained lower. Respiratory symptoms remain a substantial health burden among Hajj pilgrims across consecutive seasons. Chronic lung disease and smoking increase susceptibility, while influenza vaccination appears protective. The frequent use of antibiotics highlights the need for strengthened antimicrobial stewardship. Enhanced vaccination uptake, targeted risk communication, and integrated prevention strategies are critical to mitigating respiratory infection risks during mass gatherings and safeguarding global public health.

PMID 42500006
Read full article →
PubMedScientific reports2026-07-25

Invasive pneumococcal disease unmasks monoclonal immunoglobulins and antibody deficiencies: a multicenter prospective study in adults.

Härnqvist Tor T, Bergman Karin K, Mellgren Åsa Å, Brink Magnus M et al.

Immunoglobulins (Ig) are essential for protection against invading pneumococci but are not routinely analyzed in patients with invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). In this prospective study, we assessed the prevalence of monoclonal Ig (M protein) and analyzed Ig concentrations in sera from 156 adult IPD patients (median age 70 years). Patients were sampled during acute infection (n = 153) and in the convalescence phase 2-4 months after acute infection (n = 76). Sixty-four sex- and age-matched individuals without IPD served as controls. During infection, M protein was detected in 22% (31/141) of patients without previously known hematological malignancy as compared with 5% of the controls (p = 0.002). Seven of these patients were subsequently diagnosed with a hematological malignancy, including multiple myeloma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and mantle cell lymphoma. Another 12 patients were diagnosed with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Convalescence levels of IgA, IgG2, or IgG4 were below the reference intervals in 16-20% of patients and 0-2% of controls. Three patients were diagnosed with a primary Ig deficiency, and seven patients started Ig replacement therapy. Our findings suggest that assessment of M protein and Ig levels could be considered in adults with IPD, as an episode of IPD may unmask a previously undiagnosed B-cell malignancy or immunodeficiency.

PMID 42498816
Read full article →
PubMedJournal of the International AIDS Society2026-07-25

Behavioural and Structural Determinants of Mpox Vaccine Awareness and Uptake Among People With HIV in the Dominican Republic: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Paulino-Ramirez Robert R, Matias Wilfredo R WR, Chaumette Alexandre A, Lora-Rodríguez Hector H et al.

Mpox disproportionately affects people with HIV (PWH), yet little is known about mpox vaccine awareness and uptake in low- and middle-income countries. We evaluated mpox-related knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) among PWH in the Dominican Republic to identify determinants of vaccine awareness and uptake. We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 98 PWH recruited through HIV clinics, community-based organizations and social networks (January-May 2025). The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, mpox-related KAP, structural barriers and vaccination status. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression were used to examine factors associated with mpox vaccine awareness. Half of the participants (49/98) were aware of the mpox vaccine. Individuals aged 31-40 years had significantly lower odds of awareness compared with those aged 21-30 years. Despite high levels of formal education, 79% rated their mpox knowledge as low, and most perceived minimal personal risk. Among participants aware of the vaccine, 71% had been vaccinated. Structural barriers, including inconvenient site locations and logistical challenges, were frequently reported, even among vaccinated individuals, indicating that access limitations rather than hesitancy were the dominant constraints. Trust in vaccinating organizations was high overall, and healthcare providers and community organizations were the primary sources of vaccine information. Peer and community influence emerged as notable facilitators of uptake, while lack of reliable information and concerns about vaccine safety contributed to hesitancy. Mpox vaccine awareness among PWH in the Dominican Republic was low, but willingness to vaccinate was high when individuals were informed and able to access services. Strengthening mpox preparedness will require expanding accessible vaccination sites, improving disease-specific health literacy, and leveraging trusted community and clinical networks. Integrating mpox vaccination into routine HIV care delivery and enhancing community-led outreach may substantially improve uptake in this and similar low-middle income countries (LMIC) settings.

PMID 42499164
Read full article →
PubMedHospital pharmacy2026-07-25

Distribution and Characteristics of Vaccine Adverse Events: Analysis of Over 2 Million Individual Case Safety Reports.

Castellana Eleonora E, Chiappetta Maria Rachele MR

To describe the distribution and characteristics of adverse events following immunization (AEFI) using a large US pharmacovigilance database. A retrospective descriptive analysis of Individual Case Safety Reports (ICSRs) from the FDA AEMS database (January 2017-March 2026) was conducted. Reports were analyzed by vaccine type, adverse event terms, demographics, reporting year, and reporter category. A total of 2 169 603 ICSRs were identified, with 44.0% classified as serious. COVID-19 vaccines accounted for 78.4% of reports, reflecting mass vaccination campaigns. The most frequently reported events were headache (12.8%), pyrexia (11.8%), and fatigue (11.1%), predominantly non-serious and consistent with known reactogenicity profiles. Reporting peaked in 2021 (48.8%). Females accounted for 60.6% of reports. Non-COVID vaccines contributed substantially fewer reports. Most vaccine-associated adverse events were mild and expected. Findings support a favorable benefit-risk profile and highlight the importance of continuous pharmacovigilance systems for vaccine safety monitoring.

PMID 42500260
Read full article →
PubMedPediatric research2026-07-25

Immunogenicity and safety of BNT162b2 vaccine in patients with juvenile immune mediated inflammatory disease.

Gadelha Carolina S E CSE, Terreri Maria Teresa MT, N Burian Ana Paula AP, da Fraga Aline C M ACM et al.

COVID-19 vaccines have significantly reduced mortality and are safe for healthy children; however, research in pediatric populations with juvenile immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) is limited. The Brazilian multicenter longitudinal SAFER-Study evaluates immunogenicity and safety of the BNT162b2/Pfizer vaccine in IMID patients. The juvenile cohort enrolled patients aged 12-17 years between August and December 2021 and compared them with adults under 40 years from the adult cohort. Safety was assessed by monitoring post-vaccination adverse events (AEs), immunogenicity was measured by IgG antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain and seroconversion rates. A total of 123 participants were included: 86 adolescents and 37 adult controls. In adolescents, local AEs were most frequent; no serious or life-threatening AEs occurred. Significant increases in IgG-S levels were observed after the two doses in both cohorts (p < 0.001). Seroconversion after the second dose reached 97% overall and 100% after the third dose. In juvenile SLE and JIA patients, vaccination did not significantly affect disease activity. The BNT162b2 vaccine was safe and immunogenic in adolescents with IMIDs, including those with high immunosuppression and comorbidities, showing similar responses to adults. These findings support vaccination in this vulnerable population and contribute to evidence-based recommendations. BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated a favorable safety profile and immunogenicity in adolescents with juvenile immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), with responses comparable to those observed in adults. Real life data on this population remain limited, and further evidence regarding vaccine safety and immunogenicity is needed. This study represents the first multicenter, longitudinal registry of Brazilian adolescents with IMID receiving BNT162b2. Comprehensive data on the safety and immunogenicity of BNT162b2 in highly immunosuppressed adolescents with IMID and comorbidities are crucial to guide clinical decision-making, mitigate vaccine hesitancy, and enhance vaccination coverage within this vulnerable population.

PMID 42498827
Read full article →

+9996 more articles available with a free account

Sign up free to view all articles →

Ask about pneumococcal vaccine