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Pneumococcal vaccine eligibility checker

Am I eligible for a free dose of Capvaxive (21vPCV) on the NIP? This is Australia's new single-dose adult pneumococcal vaccine, in effect from 1 July 2026 — it replaced the older Prevenar 13 + Pneumovax 23 schedule. Answer 3 quick questions to find out.

Clinician view: results also show relevant MBS billing items, minimum intervals from prior pneumococcal doses, co-administration notes, and AIR reporting requirements. Toggle back to Patient view for a plain-English version to share.
Enter the patient's age. NIP eligibility starts at 65 for the general population, 25 for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander adults, and 18 with specified medical conditions.
years
The NIP funds pneumococcal vaccine at a lower age (25+) for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.
Tick any that apply. From age 18, the first group makes you eligible for a free dose; the second group is recommended but is not funded for adults.
Conditions the NIP funds for adults (18+)
Recommended by ATAGI, but not NIP-funded for adults
If you know your history, tell us — it affects when your next dose is due. If you don't know, leave "Not sure" — the NIR (Australian Immunisation Register) can be checked.
What changed on 1 July 2026

💉 One shot instead of two

Before 1 July 2026, adult pneumococcal vaccination on the NIP used two different vaccines (Prevenar 13 followed by Pneumovax 23, sometimes with a repeat dose). Now, a single dose of Capvaxive (21vPCV) covers 21 pneumococcal serotypes and does the job of both.

The age threshold also dropped — free vaccination now starts at 65 (was 70) for the general population, and stays at 25 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults.

🧫 Why pneumococcal disease matters

Pneumococcal bacteria (Streptococcus pneumoniae) cause pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection. In older adults and people with certain medical conditions, invasive pneumococcal disease has a case fatality rate around 10% — vaccination substantially reduces this risk.

👶 What about babies and children?

This tool covers adults 18+. Children continue to receive a paediatric pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (currently Prevenar 20 / 20vPCV in the routine schedule at 2, 4 and 12 months). Ask your child's GP or immunisation nurse — the child schedule isn't affected by the Capvaxive change.

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Is This Vaccine Live?
Quick reference — Capvaxive is not live, safe in immunocompromised.
Sources. Department of Health and Aged Care — Adult Pneumococcal Vaccination Program. Australian Immunisation Handbook — Pneumococcal chapter. TGA — Capvaxive product information (Merck).

Last verified: 1 October 2026 (in force from 1 July 2026). NIP eligibility may expand over time — check with your GP or the Department of Health website for the latest.

Editorial independence: No pharmaceutical company has had editorial input into, reviewed, or approved this content. See Editorial Independence & Funding.
Information only — not medical advice. This tool provides general information about pneumococcal vaccine eligibility in Australia. It does not replace a consultation with your GP or immunisation provider, who will confirm eligibility for your specific health situation and check your immunisation history via the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).