Clinician reference for the National Immunisation Program adult pneumococcal schedule. Eligibility, repeat vaccination, co-administration, pregnancy, contraindications. Information only — confirm against the Australian Immunisation Handbook before administering.
A single dose of Capvaxive® — recommended and NIP-funded.
A single dose of Capvaxive® — recommended and NIP-funded.
A single dose of Capvaxive® at diagnosis — see the Handbook risk-conditions table for the eligible list.
For patients with prior pneumococcal vaccination, the rules collapse to a small number of scenarios. All Capvaxive® doses below are NIP-funded for the indicated patient group.
| Patient | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| 65+ with a prior pneumococcal vaccine (any type) | One dose of Capvaxive® at least 12 months after the last dose. |
| ATSI 25+ with a prior pneumococcal vaccine | One dose of Capvaxive® at least 12 months after the last dose. |
| 18+ with a risk condition + prior pneumococcal vaccine | One dose of Capvaxive® at least 12 months after the last dose. |
| 18–64 who already received Capvaxive® for a risk condition | No further dose at 65. |
| ATSI 18–24 who already received Capvaxive® for a risk condition | No further dose at 25. |
| 65+ or ATSI 25+ who had Capvaxive® and then develops a risk condition | No further dose. |
| Child given a dose of Prevenar 20® for a risk condition before 18 | One dose of Capvaxive® at age 18, NIP-funded. |
For complex histories (immunocompromised patients, multiple prior doses, transplant recipients), check the pneumococcal chapter of the Handbook and AIR before administering.
Adults can receive Capvaxive® at the same time as, or separately from, other vaccines — including zoster (Shingrix), seasonal influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. The Department of Health notes potential advantages of co-administration: maximising coverage and timely receipt. Separate injection sites; the Handbook recommends a minimum 2.5 cm gap between sites. See the vaccine co-administration checker for paired-vaccine guidance.
The only contraindications to pneumococcal vaccines are anaphylaxis after:
Common side effects include mild pain at the injection site, fatigue and headaches, typically lasting a few days and resolving without treatment. Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reaction, are rare. Capvaxive® was found to be safe in adults across clinical trials. Source: Department of Health adult pneumococcal program advice, June 2026.
Check the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) before administering any pneumococcal vaccine to confirm prior doses. Report all immunisations to AIR. Notify all adverse events and vaccine administration errors through the reporting mechanisms in your state or territory. For Handbook guidance on vaccine administration errors, see the Australian Immunisation Handbook. AIR information for providers: servicesaustralia.gov.au/hpair.
Source: Department of Health adult pneumococcal program advice, June 2026.