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.

Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA

This news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the "company") includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company's management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.

Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company's ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company's patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.

The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 and the company's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC's Internet site (www.sec.gov).

^® Merck Sharp & Dohme B.V. Used under license.
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