Pneumococcal Vaccination
Protecting children against serious illnesses is a vital part of giving them a healthy start in life. From 1 September 2025, important changes will be made to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) with the introduction of Prevenar 20.
This new vaccine will replace Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 on the childhood schedule, offering broader protection against pneumococcal disease while also simplifying the vaccination process for families and healthcare providers.
Key Changes
From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20 will be introduced into the National Immunisation Program (NIP) to replace Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 on the childhood schedule.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will receive 4 doses, making the program consistent across all states and territories.
The introduction of Prevenar 20 simplifies the vaccine schedule, reduces the number of doses and covers more strains of the disease.
Childhood schedule
Group
Vaccine Schedule
Babies (2–12 months old) who are not Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and don’t have health risks
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Children with specified risk conditions* (ages 2–12 months)
Children newly diagnosed with specified risk conditions* (ages 12 months – 18 years)
From 1 September 2025
Children under 5 years who have:
Not yet started schedule
Previously received 1–2 doses of
Already completed Prevenar 13 and due for Pneumovax 23 booster
→ Prevenar 20 at 2 months, 4 months, 12 months
→ Prevenar 20 at 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 12 months
→ Prevenar 20 at diagnosis
→ 3 doses of Prevenar 20
→ Prevenar 20 for all remaining doses
→ 1 dose of Prevenar 20 instead
Further information
Further advice and resources will be available on the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website from 1 September 2025, and in the Victorian Department of Health September Immunisation newsletter.
Resources will include the updated NIP schedule, Provider and consumer fact sheets and frequently asked questions.
The introduction of Prevenar 20 represents a positive step forward in childhood immunisation, ensuring more comprehensive coverage and a streamlined schedule. For parents and carers, it’s important to stay informed and follow the updated recommendations to help keep children protected. If you have any questions about the new schedule or your child’s vaccinations, the friendly team at Bendigo UFS is here to provide guidance and support.
HEALTH ADVICE
