• First pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that fights against 20 serotypes leading to most of the invasive pneumococcal diseases and pneumonia^[2],[3] — one of the leading causes of death in Hong Kong^[4] — has been approved by Hong Kong Department of Health in April 2023 and is now available in Hong Kong.
• Helps combat against more serotypes of pneumococcal disease than any other pneumococcal conjugate vaccines^[2],[3], building on Pfizer's more than 20 years of legacy and innovation in developing pneumococcal conjugate vaccines
• Availability of the Pneumococcal 20-Valent Conjugate Vaccine supports Hong Kong Health Bureau's Primary Healthcare Blueprint with a shifted focus to preventive care in addressing the new challenges to healthcare system brought about by an ageing population in Hong Kong

Pfizer announced in Hong Kong the availability of its 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) that fights against invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia caused by 20 Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) serotypes. This vaccine is for active immunisation to fight against pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes 1, 3, 4, 5, 6A, 6B, 7F, 8, 9V, 10A, 11A, 12F, 14, 15B, 18C, 19A, 19F, 22F, 23F, and 33F in adults aged 18 years and older (please refer to package insert^[1]), forging ahead the company's ongoing commitment to help stand up to certain potentially serious infectious diseases.

The approval and availability of PCV20 in Hong Kong, underscore Pfizer's over 20 years of growing legacy and experience in developing and supplying innovative pneumococcal conjugate vaccines that have had a pivotal impact on the global disease burden.^[3] The availability of the new vaccine also supports Hong Kong Health Bureau's Primary Healthcare Blueprint that focuses on improving population health and quality of life by fostering a change among Hongkongers from treatment-oriented to prevention-oriented mindset.

"The market availability of PCV20 today signals the importance of continually addressing the ever-evolving burden of pneumococcal diseases. We see the health demand as particularly critical with the rapidly ageing landscape in Hong Kong, therefore the urgency to ensure comprehensive coverage for the population," said Krishnamoorthy Sundaresan, General Manager, Pfizer Hong Kong, and Macau. "As the city progresses to full resumption of tourism and economic activities, Pfizer remains committed to continue playing a key role to support adults to fight against this widespread life-threatening disease, in which the infection risk could be contributed by travels."

In general, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) – pneumonia that is contracted outside of a healthcare setting – is a serious disease that has a huge impact on both the healthcare system and individuals.^[5] According to the Department of Health, pneumonia is the third most common cause for hospitalization in Hong Kong^[6] and second leading cause of deaths^[4], responsible for more than 8,292 deaths annually^[6]. It can also impose a lasting influence on a person's life, such as decreasing their life expectancy and increasing their risk of future cardiovascular disease events.^{[7],[8],[9],[10],[11]}