PCV20 Now Approved In Malaysia, Protecting Against 20 Pneumococcal Strains

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 4 (Bernama) -- Pfizer Malaysia announced that its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) has been approved by the Ministry of Health (MOH) for use in individuals from six weeks to less than 18 years of age, and in adults aged 18 years and above across Malaysia.

In a statement, Pfizer stated PCV20 offers a broader pneumococcal conjugate vaccine option in Malaysia, providing coverage against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacteria responsible for a significant burden of pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and ear infections.

The announcement is timely, as Malaysia continues to address a high burden of pneumococcal disease, particularly among two key population groups: young children and older adults. Additionally, pneumococcus is a leading cause of various invasive infections across all age groups, including invasive pneumonia.

According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, pneumonia is the principal cause of death nationwide, accounting for over 18,000 deaths in 2023. Risk increases significantly among older adults and individuals with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, heart disease, and chronic lung conditions.

“This approval represents a major milestone for pneumococcal disease prevention in Malaysia,” Deborah Seifert, Cluster Lead for Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Philippines at Pfizer, was quoted as saying.

“PCV20 strengthens our commitment to supporting healthier communities by helping protect more people, across more life stages, from potentially serious pneumococcal infections. We’re proud to make available a vaccine that reflects over two decades of legacy in pneumococcal protection,” she said.

Meanwhile, Associate Professor Dr Pang Yong Kek, Senior Consultant Respiratory Physician, said pneumococcal disease is often under-recognised until it's too late.

“In my practice, I’ve seen many elderly Malaysians hospitalised with pneumonia complications; some requiring intensive care, others with prolonged recovery. 

“In fact, pneumonia accounts for most respiratory-related hospital admissions, and its severity tends to increase with age, often resulting in intensive care unit (ICU) admission in critical cases.

“These are not rare cases. They point to a preventable trend. Pneumococcal pneumonia, in particular, is a vaccine-preventable disease,” he said.

PCV20 builds on the foundation established by PCV13, adding coverage for 7 additional serotypes – 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F – which have been associated with antibiotic resistance and invasive disease.

Challenges remain due to the dynamic nature of circulating pneumococcal serotypes. PCV20 was developed to address this gap, with broader serotype coverage in response to emerging disease patterns.

Meanwhile, Prof Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Cardiologist, said that a child’s immune system is still developing in those first few years, and this is when they are most vulnerable to serious infections like pneumococcal meningitis or sepsis, which can have lasting consequences.

“Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life, and as paediatricians, we see just how important the early years are in shaping lifelong health,” he said.

-- BERNAMA