Pneumococcal vaccination
Protects against pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection from Streptococcus pneumoniae
What it is, and why it matters
Pneumococcal disease is caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium that lives harmlessly in many people's noses and throats but can cause serious illness when it invades the lungs (pneumonia), the bloodstream (bacteraemia) or the brain and spinal fluid (meningitis). Older adults, infants and people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.
Australia records around 1,500–2,000 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease each year, with case fatality of 5–15% in older adults despite antibiotic treatment. Many more pneumococcal pneumonia cases occur without bacteraemia and are managed in the community.
How pneumococcal vaccination works
Two types of pneumococcal vaccine are used in Australia: conjugate vaccines (which include 13, 15 or 20 of the most common disease-causing serotypes) and a 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (which broadens coverage to 23 serotypes). The conjugate vaccine produces a stronger and more durable immune response, particularly in young children and older adults.
For most adults the recommended approach combines a single dose of conjugate vaccine followed 12 months later by a 23-valent polysaccharide dose — your immuniser will check your prior history and confirm what you need.
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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 70 and over
Free under the NIP — typically a single conjugate dose followed by polysaccharide.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 and over
Free under the NIP from age 50.
Adults with eligible medical-risk conditions
Free under the NIP for chronic heart, lung, kidney, liver, neurological conditions, immunocompromise, asplenia and CSF leak.
Children under 5
Routine doses at 2, 4 and 12 months as part of the standard childhood schedule.
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.
- Adults: most commonly a single conjugate dose followed by a polysaccharide dose 12 months later — at-risk patients may need additional doses.
- Children: routine doses at 2, 4 and 12 months under the NIP, with a catch-up schedule if doses were missed.
- Co-administration with influenza, shingles and other adult vaccines is straightforward.
What to expect
- Sore arm and mild swelling at the injection site.
- Mild fever and tiredness for a day or two.
- Severe reactions are rare.
Precautions
- A previous severe allergic reaction to a pneumococcal vaccine is a contraindication.
- Defer if you have a febrile illness above 38.5°C; mild colds are not a reason to delay.
How well the vaccine works
Conjugate pneumococcal vaccines prevent around 75% of invasive disease caused by the serotypes they cover. The polysaccharide vaccine broadens serotype coverage but with a less durable immune response. The combined approach used in adults aims to maximise both breadth and durability of protection.
FAQs about pneumococcal vaccination
Why do adults sometimes need two different pneumococcal vaccines?
The conjugate vaccine produces a stronger immune memory but covers fewer serotypes; the polysaccharide vaccine covers more serotypes but with a weaker memory response. Giving both — in the right order — combines their strengths.
I already had a pneumococcal vaccine years ago. Do I need another?
Possibly. Recommendations have changed over time. Bring any record you have to your appointment and the immuniser will confirm whether you're due.
Is this the vaccine that prevents bacterial pneumonia?
It prevents pneumonia, meningitis and bloodstream infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae — the most common bacterial cause of pneumonia. It does not protect against pneumonia from other bacteria, viruses (like influenza or COVID-19) or fungi.
Deeper reading on pneumococcal
Book your pneumococcal vaccination
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