On wednesday, the fda will ask the panel ...

(CBS / AP) Prevention of pneumococcal disease is the focus, with federal health researchers said popular Prevnar vaccine, at least as effective as rival vaccine for protection against adults sometimes deadly infections. Prevenar 13 is designed to block infection by 13 strains of the disease, which causes ear infections, meningitis and pneumonia. Prevnar Vaccination is strongly recommended for all infants and young children because of their vulnerability to infection. But the disease also affects 36,000 older people per year, killing 5,000, CDC says. Manufacturer Prevnar, in drug giant Pfizer, has asked FDA to extend approval of the vaccine for adults 50 years and older. In a review published online Monday, scientists, reports Prevnar caused the reaction of the immune system can be compared to Pneumovax Merck, the only pneumococcal vaccine currently approved for adults. In six trials involving more than 6,000 adults, Prevnar vaccine generated at least as many antibodies against pneumococcal infection, as Pneumovax. Side effects to the vaccine were compared, including swelling and redness at the injection site and fever, chills and fatigue. On Wednesday, the FDA will ask a group of independent experts or Prevnar is safe and effective for adults. Recommendations of the group is not mandatory, but the agency often to his advice. CDC currently recommends Pneumovax for adults 65 and older. Only two thirds of the elderly are entitled to receive an injection. But the vaccine has been shown to protect against pneumococcal pneumonia, one of the most dangerous infections associated with the disease. Because of its potential to protect against pneumonia, FDA agreed to Prevnar accelerated six-month review, unlike the usual nine months. Pfizer holds 85 000 inpatient studies in the Netherlands to assess the strength Prevnar against pneumonia in adults. The company shall submit the results of the FDA after the study concludes that, as expected in the next two years. Pneumovax approved only for children over two years and adults over 65 years. Prevnar is designed for children aged six weeks. Pneumovax sells for about $ 50 frame, on average, while Prevenar 13 costs $ 114 on average. Adults need one or two Pneumovax shots and then booster after 65 years. Pfizer did not specify how many Prevnar boosters will be needed after the first dose. Because the vaccine protects against the company Merck strain not covered by strattera no prescritpion Prevnar, it is likely both get older. CDC has. .