Saskatchewan Adds Merck's CAPVAXIVE to Publicly Funded Adult Immunization Program
Key Insights
Saskatchewan has added CAPVAXIVE, Merck's 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, to its publicly funded adult immunization program to increase access for eligible adults.
The vaccine is approved by Health Canada for adults 18+ to prevent invasive pneumococcal disease caused by 21 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes.
Surveillance data shows these serotypes account for 65% of IPD cases in adults aged 18-49, 74% in those aged 50-64, and 80% in adults 65+.
Merck announced that the province of Saskatchewan has added CAPVAXIVE, a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, to its publicly funded adult immunization program. This addition supports increased access to pneumococcal immunization for eligible adults in accordance with the provincial eligibility criteria.
Vaccine Coverage and Clinical Impact
CAPVAXIVE is approved by Health Canada for adults 18+ to help prevent invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD)—including serious infections like sepsis, meningitis, and bacteremic pneumonia—caused by 21 Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes. The vaccine targets serotypes 3, 6A, 6C, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B.
Surveillance data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (2019–2023) demonstrated the significant burden these serotypes represent across different age groups. The data showed that these serotypes accounted for approximately 65% of IPD cases in adults aged 18–49, 74% of IPD cases in adults aged 50–64, and 80% of IPD cases in adults aged 65+. These figures were based on surveillance data and do not reflect the efficacy of CAPVAXIVE.
Regulatory Support and Recommendations
Saskatchewan's decision is informed by the recommendations from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI), which supports CAPVAXIVE as an option for adults 65+ and those under 65 at increased risk of invasive pneumococcal disease. Residents are encouraged to speak with their healthcare provider or local public health office to determine eligibility and access options.
Disease Burden Context
Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria, which can lead to a range of illnesses—from mild infections that affect the ears, sinuses and lungs, to more serious conditions called invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD). IPD occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream (bacteremia), or enter the central nervous system, causing meningitis. In Canada, approximately 3,000 cases of IPD are reported each year. While anyone can be affected by IPD, it is most common in children under age 5, in adults over age 65, and in people living with certain medical conditions or other risk factors.