The adult pneumococcal vaccination program is changing from 1 July 2026

Written By Margot Schoonmaker-Barton

Changes commencing 1 July 2026 include:

  • the introduction of the 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (21vPCV), Capvaxive, to the National Immunisation Program (NIP)

  • the replacement of 13vPCV and the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine with 21vPCV on the NIP for adults

  • the recommendation and free provision of 21vPCV 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 disease.

These changes will simplify the vaccination schedule, broaden pneumococcal strain coverage, and provide improved protection for more people.

More information and resources will be available closer to the implementation date.

Margot Schoonmaker-Barton
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