Singapore has approved MSD’s CAPVAXIVE, a 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine designed to protect adults against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumococcal pneumonia, marking a new addition to the country’s adult vaccination options.

 

The Health Sciences Authority (HSA) granted approval for the vaccine to prevent invasive disease and pneumonia caused by 21 specified serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults aged 18 and above.

 

The approval comes amid changing patterns in the serotypes responsible for adult invasive pneumococcal disease in Singapore, highlighting the need for vaccination strategies that address the evolving threat.

 

CAPVAXIVE targets 21 pneumococcal serotypes: 3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F and 35B.

 

According to MSD, adults previously vaccinated with other pneumococcal vaccines who subsequently receive CAPVAXIVE® are estimated to achieve combined serotype coverage of 78% against IPD-causing serotypes.

 

The vaccine was first approved in the United States in June 2024, followed by Canada in July 2024 and Australia in February 2025. Singapore granted its approval in February 2026.

 

Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium comprising multiple serotypes. The disease can cause serious infections, particularly among older adults, people with underlying health conditions and those with weakened immune systems.

 

Invasive pneumococcal disease occurs when the bacteria enter normally sterile parts of the body, including the bloodstream or brain. It can result in severe complications, long-term organ damage and death.

 

Older adults and people living with conditions such as diabetes, chronic lung disease and chronic liver disease face an increased risk of severe outcomes. Immunocompromised individuals, including people with HIV, cancer patients, transplant recipients and those receiving immunosuppressive therapies, are also particularly vulnerable.

 

The emergence of antibiotic-resistant pneumococcal strains and the replacement of vaccine-targeted serotypes by non-vaccine serotypes have added to public health concerns.

 

Highlighting the science behind the newly approved vaccine, Ivan Su, Value and Implementation Lead, MSD Asia Pacific, said: “By focusing on serotypes associated with the evolving epidemiology of adult IPD, CAPVAXIVE was developed based on an understanding of pneumococcal serotype distribution in adult. The HSA approval reflects the scientific approach behind CAPVAXIVE, which demonstrated immunogenicity against the vaccine serotypes across the adult populations studied."

 

He added: “We are pleased that CAPVAXIVE is now available to adults in Singapore, providing an additional vaccination option for eligible adults.”

 

Healthcare professionals have underscored the importance of greater awareness, timely vaccination and preventive care in reducing the burden of pneumococcal disease among Singapore's adult population.

 

Dr Leong Hoe Nam, infectious diseases specialist at Rophi Clinic, said: "Invasive pneumococcal disease remains a concern among adults in Singapore.2 Continuous education and immunization against vaccine preventable diseases are important in safeguarding public health. Healthcare professionals play a vital role in protecting Singaporeans against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and pneumococcal pneumonia through timely vaccination and proactive care."

 

Adj Prof See Kay Choong, Senior Consultant, Division of Respiratory & Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, National University Hospital (NUH), highlighted the potentially devastating consequences of the infection.

 

“Complications from invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) can lead to organ damage and even death. Many serotyped adult IPD cases are caused by serotypes not included in previously approved pneumococcal conjugate vaccines."

 

Dr Sharon Ngoh, Family Physician and Medical Director at Parkway Shenton, pointed to Singapore's ageing population as another reason to strengthen preventive healthcare.

 

“Singapore has a rapidly aging population, with 1 in 4 citizens expected to be aged 65 and above by 2030. Focusing on preventive care provides us with the opportunity to tap the potential of both our middle-aged workers and seniors. When healthy, they can continue contributing to our society and economy in many ways. Certain pneumococcal infections may be preventable – we should all be aware of IPD, what pneumococcal serotypes are and how they could affect us and those around us.”