September 1st changes to childhood pneumococcal vaccination

Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause severe invasive disease, including meningitis, pneumonia and bacteraemia, and non-invasive disease, including otitis media. Anyone can develop pneumococcal disease. Those at greatest risk of disease and severe outcomes are: 

• Infants and children
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Children, adolescents and adults with risk conditions for pneumococcal disease.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has reviewed pneumococcal vaccines on the current childhood immunisation schedule. Based on ATAGI’s advice, the government has made changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20 will be introduced into the NIP to replace Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 on the childhood schedule. The introduction of Prevenar 20 simplifies the vaccine schedule, reduces the number of doses and covers more strains of the disease.

All First Nations children will receive 4 doses, making the program consistent across all states and territories. 

From 1 September 2025, children under 5 years, who have:

• not yet started their pneumococcal schedule should receive 3 doses of Prevenar 20.
• previously received 1 or 2 doses of Prevenar 13 should receive Prevenar 20 for all subsequent doses to complete the recommended vaccination course (where required).
• already completed a Prevenar 13 vaccination course who are due for a Pneumovax 23 booster should receive 1 dose of Prevenar 20 instead.

NIP have released a provider fact sheet, FAQ document and consumer fact sheet to support vaccination providers.