Changes to the Pneumococcal adult vaccination program

From 1 July 2026, the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (21vPCV), Capvaxive®, will be introduced on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and the adult immunisation schedule updated. Capvaxive® will replace Prevenar 13® and Pneumovax 23® on the NIP for adults. 

The pneumococcal vaccine, Capvaxive®, is recommended and free through the NIP for: 

• adults aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and over
• adults aged 18 years and over with specified medical conditions that increase their risk of severe disease. 

Eligible adults who have previously received a dose of any other pneumococcal vaccine are recommended to receive a dose of Capvaxive® at least 12 months after their last dose. 

For clinical recommendations, vaccination providers are encouraged to refer to the pneumococcal chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook. These changes lower the age at which people are recommended for pneumococcal vaccination, simplify the vaccine schedule, and cover more strains of the disease.

The NIP has released an updated program advice for health professionals.