Argentina Producing 20-valent Pneumococcal Vaccine for Latin America and the Caribbean

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the Government of Argentina, and others today announced a joint effort to facilitate local production and regional access to the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20).

This vaccine is expected to further protect against severe diseases caused by Streptococcus pneumonia  (pneumococcus), responsible for pneumonia, meningitis, and other serious infections, including those linked to antibiotic-resistant strains.

In 2021, 3,345 children under the age of 5 died due to pneumonia and meningitis caused by pneumococcus in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Through this initiative, not only will Argentina benefit from local production of the PCV20 (PREVNAR 20®), but countries across the Region of the Americas will be able to access vaccine doses through PAHO’s Regional Revolving Funds, ensuring more rapid vaccine rollout at competitive prices.

The PCV20 vaccine will be available in Latin America and the Caribbean starting in early 2025. The first doses produced in Argentina are estimated to be available by 2026.

“PAHO is committed to boosting regional production of sustainable, innovative technologies by strengthening existing capacities and our regional purchasing mechanism, the Revolving Fund for Access to Vaccines,” said PAHO Director Jarbas Barbosa in a press release on January 15, 2025.

“This collaboration reflects our dedication to ensuring equitable access to safe, effective vaccines that prevent severe diseases and save lives,” he added.