The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has announced changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) childhood pneumococcal schedule, following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20 will replace Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23. All First Nations children will now receive four doses, ensuring national consistency.
From 1 September 2025, children should receive Prevenar 20 based on their current vaccination status:
- Non-First Nations children without risk conditions, who are yet to start the pneumococcal schedule should receive three doses of Prevenar 20 at two, four and 12 months of age.
- All First-Nations children and children diagnosed with any risk conditions listed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook, who are yet to start the pneumococcal schedule, should receive Prevenar 20 at two, four, six and 12 months of age.
- All children who have received one or two doses of Prevenar 13 should receive Prevenar 20 for all subsequent doses to complete the recommended vaccination course (where required).
- Children who have completed their vaccination course with Prevenar 13 and are due for any dose of Pneumovax 23 should receive 1 dose of Prevenar 20 instead. Pneumovax 23 may still be used while stock remains available.
- Children aged ≥12 months – ≤17 years newly diagnosed with any risk conditions listed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook should receive Prevenar 20 at diagnosis.
Further information
- National Immunisation Program – Childhood pneumococcal vaccine program advice for health professionals
- National Immunisation Program – Childhood pneumococcal vaccine consumer fact sheet
- National Immunisation Program – Childhood pneumococcal vaccination frequently asked questions
- National Immunisation Program Schedule
Disclaimer: This article was provided by National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance. While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate, North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network does not warrant or represent the accuracy, currency and completeness of any information or material included within.
