Change to the National Immunisation Program - 1 September 2025

Pneumococcal vaccines on the current childhood immunisation schedule, introduction of Prevenar 20® to replace Prevenar 13® - commence 1 September 2025. 

Prevenar 20® will be available to order through the Vaccine Distribution Centre from mid-August.

Key points

• The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has reviewed pneumococcal vaccines on the current childhood immunisation schedule, based on ATAGI’s advice, the government has made changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
• From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20® will be introduced into the NIP to replace Prevenar 13® and Pneumovax 23® on the childhood schedule.
• The introduction of Prevenar 20® simplifies the vaccine schedule, reduces the number of doses and covers more strains of the disease.
• From 1 September all First Nations children will receive 4 doses, making the program consistent across all states and territories (expanding from just SA, WA, Northern Territory and Queensland).
• From 1 September 2025, children under 5 years, who have:
  • not yet started their pneumococcal schedule should receive 3 doses of Prevenar 20.
  • previously received 1 or 2 doses of Prevenar 13 should receive Prevenar 20 for all subsequent doses to complete the recommended vaccination course (where required).
  • already completed a Prevenar 13 vaccination course who are due for a Pneumovax 23 booster should receive 1 dose of Prevenar 20 instead.

Further information will be provided closer to the commencement of the program start date, including an updated 1 September 2025 National Immunisation Program SA Schedule available through SA Health – Childhood Immunisation Program  

Consumer and health professional resources related to the 1 September 2025 NIP schedule changes will also be available on the Australian Government website https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation.

Vaccine providers can access updates via the Vaccine Distribution Centre noticeboard and emails.