Summary Box: FDA approves new Prevnar vaccine with protection against 6 new bacterial strains

Summary Box: FDA OKs Pfizer’s updated kids vaccine

PREVNAR 13 APPROVED: The Food and Drug Administration on Wednesday approved a new version of Pfizer’s best-selling vaccine Prevnar, which protects against pneumococcal disease.

ADDED PROTECTION: Prevnar 13 adds protection against six additional strains of bacterial infection compared with the current vaccine. FDA approved the vaccine for children as young as six weeks old.

VACCINE MONEYMAKER: Prevnar was the world’s top-selling vaccine in 2008 with sales of $2.7 billion. Developed by Wyeth, the product was considered a key product in Pfizer’s decision to purchase its rival for $68 billion last year.