Upcoming changes to childhood pneumococcal schedule from 1 September 2025
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August 13, 2025
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 4 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 3 doses of Prevenar 20 at 2,4 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 2,4,6 and 12 months of age.
- All children who have received 1 or 2 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
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