Pneumococcal vaccination
Check current pneumococcal recommendations and funding
Current adult eligibility includes all adults from 65 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults from 25. Previous doses still need to be checked.
What it is, and why it matters
Pneumococcal bacteria can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis. Young children, older adults, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with specified medical conditions have increased risk of serious disease.
Different types of these bacteria circulate. Vaccination reduces the risk of disease from covered types, but cannot prevent every cause of pneumonia or meningitis.
How pneumococcal vaccination works
Current adult recommendations differ from older pneumococcal schedules. A provider checks your age, risk conditions and all previous pneumococcal doses before advising what is due.
Do not restart or add doses based on an old schedule. The childhood schedule is separate and depends on age and risk conditions.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
Funding and eligibility for pneumococcal vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Adults aged 65 and over
Current adult program, subject to Medicare eligibility and previous vaccination assessment.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 and over
Current adult program, subject to Medicare eligibility and previous vaccination assessment.
Adults aged 18 and over with specified medical risk conditions
The clinician checks the current NIP condition list; recommendations can be broader than funding.
Infants and children
Routine and risk-based childhood schedules apply, subject to Medicare eligibility. Use an age-authorised provider.
Other people with a clinical indication
Individual assessment is needed to determine recommendation, previous-dose intervals and funding.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- The current recommended adult course is usually a single dose for eligible adults. If pneumococcal vaccination was given previously, an interval of at least 12 months after the last dose generally applies.
- An adult who received the currently recommended dose for a medical risk condition before age 65 does not automatically need another dose at 65.
- Routine childhood doses are given at 2, 4 and 12 months. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and infants with specified risks have additional recommendations, including a 6-month dose.
- Bring your full vaccination record. Childhood catch-up, immune conditions and previous vaccination require a clinician to select the schedule.
What to expect
- Temporary injection-site discomfort, tiredness, muscle aches, headache or fever can occur.
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or relevant component requires specialist assessment. Stay for the recommended observation period, usually at least 15 minutes.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- People with certain immune conditions, no functioning spleen or planned immune treatment need coordinated clinical advice about timing and other vaccinations.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
Vaccination reduces the risk of pneumococcal disease from covered types. It does not prevent all pneumonia or replace assessment of breathing difficulty, fever or other serious illness.
FAQs about pneumococcal vaccination
I was told to wait until 70. Is that still correct?
Adult NIP funding expanded on 1 July 2026. The current age threshold is 65 for all adults, with earlier eligibility for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and specified risk conditions. Your clinician checks current guidance and previous doses.
Do I need two different pneumococcal vaccines?
Older adult schedules used different sequences. The current recommendation is usually one dose of the currently recommended option, after checking previous doses and intervals.
Does a flu vaccination cover pneumococcal disease?
No. Influenza and pneumococcal disease are different infections. Ask the immuniser whether either or both vaccinations are indicated for you.
Primary references
Deeper reading on pneumococcal
Book your pneumococcal vaccination
Contact the pharmacy to check service availability, suitability and booking options.
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