Italy to offer pneumococcal vaccine for over-65s and vulnerable people

The Italian Medicines Agency (AIFA) has approved the 21-valent conjugated vaccine V116, developed by MSD specifically for adults. V116 has been demonstrated to offer protection against 21 distinct serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, the bacterium responsible for a range of serious ailments, including pneumonia, meningitis, sepsis, and severe ear infections. Of these, eight serotypes are not covered by any other vaccine currently available. According to the AIFA, this combination represents a potential coverage of up to 76.4% of invasive pneumococcal diseases in people over the age of 64. V116 has been developed for individuals over the age of 18 who are afflicted with chronic diseases, including COPD, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as for elderly individuals who are particularly vulnerable to severe complications. The vaccine was designed with the adult immune system in mind, and its approval is based on the results of the STRIDE clinical programme, which confirmed its efficacy and safety. Complications arising from Streptococcus pneumoniae infections have been found to result in hospitalisation, disability, and even death. A Health Technology Assessment evaluation estimated that the introduction of V116 could prevent over 11,000 cases of pneumococcal disease (invasive and non-invasive), with a projected saving of approximately 56 million euros in direct and indirect health costs.