16 June 2026
From 1 July 2026 there will be changes to the adult pneumococcal vaccination schedule under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Key changes:
- 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.
- Capvaxive® is recommended and free through the NIP (from 1 July) 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.
- 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 Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (the department) is pleased to share the following information on the changes to support communications:
- Adult pneumococcal vaccination – Program advice for health professionals – includes information on co-administration, and transition recommendations for people who have previously received adult pneumococcal vaccination.
- Pneumococcal vaccination – Consumer fact sheet
Further information and resources will be available on the department’s website the week before the program change on 1 July 2026. The Australian Immunisation Handbook updates will be available shortly.
Until the new program begins, immunisation providers are advised to continue following existing recommendations outlined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook when administering adult pneumococcal vaccines.
Health professionals and stakeholders are encouraged to subscribe to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing email list to receive the latest NIP updates.
Ordering: Providers will be advised when ordering of Capvaxive® becomes available. Please also continue to monitor your OneLink template for updates.
