Pfizer Tests Pneumococcal Vaccine Plus COVID-19 Booster Shot

Pfizer has begun a trial of its experimental 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (20vPnC) combined with a third dose of the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine in fully inoculated adults over age 65.

The 600-person trial will assess whether the combination shot is safe and if an immune response is still induced once the pneumonia vaccine is added to the COVID-19 booster. Participants must have received their second COVID-19 vaccine dose at least six months prior to the study.

The FDA is reviewing Pfizer’s Biologics License Application for 20vPnC under a Priority Review designation and the agency’s decision is anticipated in June. The European Medicines Agency is also reviewing the pneumonia vaccine for marketing authorization.