From 1 July 2026, a new single-dose vaccine (Capvaxive, 21vPCV) replaces the older Prevenar 13 + Pneumovax 23 schedule for adults under the National Immunisation Program. The free age is lower — 65+ general, 25+ for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander adults, 18+ for at-risk.
What changed: One vaccine (Capvaxive / 21vPCV) replaces the old two-vaccine schedule (Prevenar 13 + Pneumovax 23) for adults.
Who's now eligible for free: Adults 65+, Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander adults 25+, anyone 18+ with specified medical risk conditions.
Number of doses: One. Single dose, single visit.
| Before 1 July 2026 | From 1 July 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Vaccine | Prevenar 13 (13vPCV) plus Pneumovax 23 (23vPPV) | Capvaxive (21vPCV) |
| Number of doses (adults) | 2 doses, sometimes 3 (with 12-month then 5-year gaps) | 1 dose |
| Free age (non-Indigenous) | 70 and over | 65 and over |
| Free age (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) | 50 and over | 25 and over |
| Free at any age with risk conditions | Yes (varied schedule) | Yes — one dose Capvaxive (18+) |
Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook, Table. Risk conditions for pneumococcal vaccination and eligibility for NIP funding (checked 1 October 2026). Not sure where your condition fits? Use the eligibility checker, see vaccines for each medical condition, or ask your GP, who can also check the Australian Immunisation Register.
Discuss with your GP. If you have had any earlier pneumococcal vaccine (including Prevenar 13 or Pneumovax 23), the Handbook recommends the dose of Capvaxive at least 12 months after your last dose — the new vaccine covers 21 serotypes including several not in the older vaccines.
Timing depends on which vaccines you had and how long ago. Your GP will check the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) for your vaccination history.
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause:
Pneumococcal disease is most serious in older adults, very young children, and people with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems.
Your GP, immunisation nurse, or pharmacist can administer Capvaxive (subject to state-based rules on pharmacist immunisation).
If eligible under the NIP, the vaccine itself is free. Some providers may charge a small consultation or administration fee — check when booking. GP clinics that bulk-bill the consultation usually charge no out-of-pocket cost.
You can still get Capvaxive on a private script. The price is set by the provider, so ask for the total (vaccine plus any consultation or administration fee) before you book. Discuss with your GP whether it's worth it for your individual risk.
Yes — Capvaxive can be co-administered with flu vaccine, COVID vaccine, RSV vaccine, and Shingrix (shingles) at the same visit. Common practice is to give them in different arms.
Common (1 in 10 or more): sore arm at injection site, mild tiredness, headache, muscle aches. Usually settles within 1–2 days.
Less common: low-grade fever. Severe allergic reactions are very rare. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns or a history of allergic reaction to a previous vaccine.