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New adult pneumococcal vaccine now available through the National Immunisation Program

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From 1 July 2026, Australians eligible for pneumococcal vaccination can access a new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine through the National Immunisation Program (NIP), providing broader protection against pneumococcal disease and expanding eligibility to more people at increased risk.

The updated program introduces the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (21vPCV, Capvaxive®) for eligible adults. The vaccine provides protection against additional pneumococcal serotypes and simplifies the adult vaccination schedule.

Expanded eligibility

The changes include expanded access for several groups:

  • Adults aged 65 years and over are now eligible for a free pneumococcal vaccine through the NIP, reduced from the previous eligibility age of 70 years.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and over are now eligible, replacing the previous eligibility age of 50 years.
  • Adults aged 18 years and over with specified medical risk conditions remain eligible, with additional conditions now included.

Newly added medical risk categories include:

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic bronchitis and emphysema
  • Chronic liver disease

These changes aim to increase protection for people at higher risk of developing serious pneumococcal disease.

Broader protection against pneumococcal disease

Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to serious infections such as pneumonia, bloodstream infections (bacteraemia) and meningitis. Older adults, young children and people with certain underlying medical conditions are at greatest risk of severe disease.

With the introduction of the new adult vaccine alongside the childhood pneumococcal vaccination program, Australians will now be protected against 31 pneumococcal serotypes—an additional 10 strains compared with the previous program.

Current recommendations

Under the updated NIP:

  • A single dose of the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended for eligible adults.
  • Children should continue to receive pneumococcal vaccination at 2, 4 and 12 months of age under the National Immunisation Program.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of serious pneumococcal disease and its complications, particularly during the peak winter and spring seasons.

Healthcare professionals are encouraged to review the vaccination status of eligible patients and discuss the updated recommendations during routine consultations.