Argentina approves new 21-valent pneumococcal vaccine for adults

Argentina’s National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Technology (ANMAT) has approved the first 21-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine specifically designed for adults. Developed by MSD Argentina, the vaccine is indicated to prevent invasive disease and pneumonia caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae in individuals aged 18 and older.

Local surveillance data from Argentina indicates that circulating serotypes vary by age. Analysis from the National Reference Laboratory of 679 invasive disease samples showed that serotypes 12F, 3, and 14 were among the most frequent across all groups, while serotypes 8 and 9N were highly prevalent in those over 17. The new vaccine includes several of these key serotypes, including 3, 8, 9N, and 12F.

Between 2016 and 2023, theoretical vaccine coverage in Argentina reached approximately 69.8% for adults aged 50 to 59 and 67% for those aged 60 or older.