New pneumococcal vaccine now on NIP for children
01 Sep 2025
New pneumococcal vaccine now on the NIP for children under five
From 1 September, a new vaccine called Prevenar 20 is available on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for children under five. It replaces Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 on the childhood schedule, following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
Prevenar 20 protects against 20 strains of pneumococcal disease – compared to 13 with the older vaccine – and requires fewer doses. Pneumococcal disease can cause serious illness, particularly in young children, older adults, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. In 2024, there were 2376 reported cases across Australia.
Updated recommendations
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Children who haven’t started their pneumococcal vaccines should get three doses of Prevenar 20.
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Those who already had one or two doses of Prevenar 13 should switch to Prevenar 20 for the remaining doses.
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Children who finished a Prevenar 13 course and were due for a Pneumovax 23 booster should now receive one dose of Prevenar 20 instead.
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, and children with certain medical risk factors, should receive four doses.
Health professionals are advised not to delay vaccination. Pneumovax 23 can still be used while stock lasts, but Prevenar 20 is now preferred.
Dr Tim Jones, Chair of RACGP Specific Interests Child and Young Person’s Health, welcomed the change.
“This update gives broader protection with no extra side effects,” he said. “It keeps the vaccine program relevant to the strains making kids sick today.”
Full details are available in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Source:Racgp