Monday, the FDA approved Merck & Co Inc’s (NYSE: MRK) Capvaxive (Pneumococcal 21-valent Conjugate Vaccine) to protect against 21 strains of bacteria to prevent a severe form of pneumococcal disease. It’s the first pneumococcal conjugate vaccine specifically designed to protect adults from a bacteria known as pneumococcus that can cause serious illnesses and a lung infection. Merck currently has two approved pneumococcal shots: Vaxneuvance is given to individuals six weeks or older. Pneumovax 23 for adults 50 years and older as well as two-year-olds and above who are at an increased risk of the disease. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is expected to meet later this month to discuss and make recommendations for using Capvaxive in adults. In adults 50 years of age and older, Capvaxive covers the serotypes responsible for approximately 84% of ...