New Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination Program to Launch on 1 July 2026

Australians aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and over, and eligible adults with certain medical conditions will soon have access to a simplified pneumococcal vaccination schedule under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government will introduce the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (21vPCV), Capvaxive®, to the National Immunisation Program. The new vaccine will replace both Prevenar 13® and Pneumovax 23® for adults, streamlining the pneumococcal vaccination schedule while providing protection against a broader range of pneumococcal disease strains.

Under the updated program, Capvaxive® will be available free of charge 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 pneumococcal disease

The changes are designed to simplify vaccination recommendations, lower the age at which some Australians become eligible for funded pneumococcal vaccination, and improve protection against pneumococcal disease.

Pneumococcal disease can cause serious illnesses including pneumonia, meningitis, and bloodstream infections, particularly among older adults and people with underlying medical conditions.

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing will release additional resources and information ahead of the program commencement date to support healthcare professionals and the public.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new recommendations and discuss pneumococcal vaccination with eligible patients.

For more information, including program advice for health professionals and consumer resources, visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website.