Phase 3 Study of Coadministration of Seasonal Flu Vaccine With Prevnar 20 Shows Promising Results

Findings from the phase 3 B7471004 study evaluating the safety and immunogenicity of pneumococcal 20-valent conjugate vaccine (Prevnar 20) coadminstered with the seasonal influenza vaccine in adults 65 years of age and older showed positive top-line results, according to a Pfizer press release.

A total of 1796 participants were enrolled and randomized in the study, with 1727 of the participants completing the study across 66 investigator sites in the United States. The responses provoked by Prevnar 20 for all 20 serotypes and by the seasonal influenza vaccine when given together were noninferior to those elicited by the vaccines when administered 1 month apart. Further, the safety profile of Prevnar 20 was similar when the vaccines were co-administered compared to when each vaccine was administered separately, 1 month apart, according to the study.

“We are encouraged by these results showing that these two vaccines can be administered at the same time without affecting the immune protection provided by either vaccine or changing the safety profile,” said Kathrin U. Jansen, PhD, senior vice president and head of vaccine research and development at Pfizer, in a press release. “This study adds to the body of evidence further supporting that pneumococcal conjugate vaccines may be co-administered with influenza vaccines, this time studied with the adjuvanted influenza vaccine. We are committed to vaccine development to help address needs across many respiratory diseases.”

The researchers noted the importance of maintaining vaccination rates for conditions that can lead to respiratory issues, especially with COVID-19 cases still raising concern throughout the United States.

“Both Prevnar 20 and the influenza vaccine are important for helping protect adults against pneumococcal pneumonia and the flu respectively; however, vaccination rates decline when someone needs to make multiple appointments to receive these vaccines,” said Luis Jodar, PhD, senior vice president and chief medical officer at Pfizer Vaccines, in a press release. “The results of this trial supports current CDC clinical guidance allowing coadministration during a single doctor or pharmacy appointment, so that more adults are able to help protect themselves against both of these respiratory diseases.”

REFERENCE

Positive top-line results of Pfizer’s phase 3 study exploring coadministration of PREVNAR 20™ with seasonal flu vaccine in older adults released. Pfizer. September 29, 2021. Accessed September 29, 2021. https://www.pfizer.com/news/press-release/press-release-detail/positive-top-line-results-pfizers-phase-3-study-exploring