Quebec Expands Public Funding for CAPVAXIVE®
KIRKLAND, QC, Nov. 5, 2025 /CNW/ -- Merck (NYSE:MRK), known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, announced today that the province of Quebec has added CAPVAXIVE®, a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, to their publicly funded adult immunization program. This addition makes the vaccine available to eligible residents in accordance with the province's eligibility criteria, helping to increase access to pneumococcal immunization.
CAPVAXIVE® is approved by Health Canada for use in adults 18 years of age and older for active immunization for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease (including sepsis, meningitis, bacteremic pneumonia, pleural empyema and bacteremia) caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae 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). Based on surveillance data from the Public Health Agency of Canada (2019–2023 combined total), the serotypes included in CAPVAXIVE® accounted for the following percentage of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) cases in adults:
- ~ 65% in individuals 18–49 years of age
- ~ 74% in individuals 50-64 years of age
- ~ 80% in individuals ≥65 years of age
These values were based on surveillance data and do not reflect the efficacy of CAPVAXIVE®.
"Improving access to vaccines is core to our mission," said Matthew Thornhill, Executive Director, Vaccines Business Unit at Merck Canada. "We applaud the leadership shown by Quebec for updating their publicly funded program with CAPVAXIVE®. We will continue to work with provincial public health partners, clinicians and patient groups to support rollout, education and equitable access."
The decision to publicly fund CAPVAXIVE® follows the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recommendations, published in November 2024, to include CAPVAXIVE® as an option for adult pneumococcal immunization programs for all adults 65 years of age and older and adults under 65 years of age at increased risk of IPD. Individuals who may fall within the provincially defined eligibility groups should consult their healthcare professional or local public health authority for further information.
About pneumococcal disease
Pneumococcal disease is caused by a type of bacteria called Streptococcus pneumoniae, 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.
About CAPVAXIVE®
CAPVAXIVE®, a Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine, is indicated for active immunization for the prevention of invasive pneumococcal disease, (including sepsis, meningitis, bacteremic pneumonia, pleural empyema and bacteremia), caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae 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) in adults 18 years of age and older.
About Merck
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable, and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information about our operations in Canada, visit www.merck.ca and connect with us on LinkedIn @MerckCanada.
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