Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority approves Pfizer's PCV20 vaccine for adults over 18

SINGAPORE — Pfizer announced on Friday that its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) has received approval from the Singapore Health Sciences Authority (HSA). The vaccine, marketed as APEXXNAR, offers protection against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes. This approval makes APEXXNAR the first 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to be approved in Southeast Asia. It is designed for active immunisation in individuals aged 18 years and older, further advancing Pfizer's commitment to preventing certain infectious respiratory diseases. "Pfizer's 20 years of experience in developing and supplying innovative pneumococcal conjugate vaccines have had a pivotal impact on the global disease burden," said Erika Pagani, Country Manager of Pfizer Singapore. "Singapore's approval of APEXXNAR today signals the importance of continually addressing the ever-evolving burden of pneumococcal disease. This is especially critical against the rapidly ageing landscape to ensure comprehensive coverage for the population." Pneumonia is the third leading cause of death in Singapore and is responsible for over 4,000 deaths annually, according to the Singapore Ministry of Health. Despite this, awareness of the disease and the uptake of the vaccine remain relatively low. Dr Leong Hoe Nam, an infectious disease expert at Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital, said, "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." Pfizer's APEXXNAR vaccine approval in Singapore supports the Healthier SG initiative, which focuses on improving population health and quality of life through proactive preventive care, regular screening and recommended vaccinations.