NEW YORK — The Food and Drug Administration has approved a Pfizer vaccine for Streptococcus pneumoniae in adults ages 50 years and older, the company said.

Pfizer announced the FDA approval of Prevnar 13 (pneumococcal 13-valent conjugate vaccine [diphtheria CRM197 protein]) as a single-dose for adults.

"Pneumococcal disease, including pneumonia, in adults 50 years and older represents a significant personal and social health burden in the United States," Pfizer chairman and CEO Ian Read said. "The FDA approval of Prevnar 13 for these adults offers the potential to contribute to the health of millions of aging Americans."

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