Adult Pneumococcal Schedule Update

Megan Reilly

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 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) provides the following information on the changes to support communications: