Pneumococcal vaccine changes under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20® will replace Prevenar 13® and Pneumovax 23® on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for all infants, children, and adolescents under 18 years of age.
Please note, there are no changes to the pneumococcal vaccines recommended under the NIP for eligible adults aged 18 years and over. Eligible adults should continue to receive Prevenar 13® and Pneumovax 23® according to the current schedule.
The Immunisation Schedule Queensland, the Childhood Immunisation Visual Tool, and the Australian Immunisation Handbook: Pneumococcal Chapter will be updated on 1 September 2025 to reflect these changes.
Prevenar 20® rollout and ordering
Immunisation Service Providers (ISPs) will receive an initial allocation of Prevenar 20® in the weeks leading up to the program start date. ISPs are not required to order stock prior to the program’s start date.
From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20® can be ordered as usual through routine vaccine ordering processes.
ISPs should only commence using Prevenar 20® from 1 September 2025
Updated order forms will be made available on the Queensland Health website.
More pneumococcal resources for vaccine providers
The Australian Government has published resources to support the introduction of Prevenar 20® onto the NIP:
NIP childhood and adolescence pneumococcal vaccine provider advice for health professionals
NIP childhood and adolescence pneumococcal vaccine consumer fact sheet
NIP childhood and adolescence pneumococcal vaccine Frequently Asked Questions.
For clinical decision making and management advice, view the pneumococcal vaccination HealthPathway.
Participate in a pneumococcal vaccination recall program for adults
General practices are invited to register for the Pneumococcal Vaccination Recall Program for adults aged 70+ years.
It is estimated that only 1 in 4 eligible Australians aged over 70 have receive the NIP-funded 13vPCV vaccination.
Brisbane South PHN invite you to participate in a sponsored program to conduct a free SMS recall for patients eligible for the 13vPCV (Prevenar 13) vaccination, funded on the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This recall initiative uses the GoShare app and is free for practices and patients.
Learn more about the Pneumococcal Vaccination Recall Program.