Immunisation Weekly Update:

• Childhood pneumococcal vaccine schedule change
• ATAGI statement on RSV administration errors
• New National Guidelines for Yellow Fever
• Education

Childhood pneumococcal vaccine schedule change

Updated NIP childhood pneumococcal schedule

The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DoHDA) has announced changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) childhood pneumococcal schedule, following advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

From 1 September 2025, Prevenar 20 will replace Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23. All First Nations children will now receive 4 doses, ensuring national consistency.

From 1 September 2025, children should receive Prevenar 20 based on their current vaccination status:

• Non-First Nations children without risk conditions, who are yet to start the pneumococcal schedule should receive 3 doses of Prevenar 20 at 2,4 and 12 months of age.
• All First-Nations children and children diagnosed with any risk conditions listed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook, who are yet to start the pneumococcal schedule, should receive Prevenar 20 at 2,4,6 and 12 months of age.
• All children who have received 1 or 2 doses of Prevenar 13 should receive Prevenar 20 for all subsequent doses to complete the recommended vaccination course (where required).
• Children who have completed their vaccination course with Prevenar 13 and are due for any dose of Pneumovax 23 should receive 1 dose of Prevenar 20 instead. Pneumovax 23 may still be used while stock remains available.
• Children aged ≥12 months – ≤17 years newly diagnosed with any risk conditions listed in the Australian Immunisation Handbook should receive Prevenar 20 at diagnosis.

Resources for health professionals

DoHDA has released updated Program advice for health professionals and Frequently asked questions resources to support health professionals in staying up-to-date with the changes.

Ordering limits decreased for Prevenar 13

Ordering limits for paediatric doses of Prevenar 13 have been decreased due to the change to the NIP schedule.  

ATAGI statement on RSV administration errors

ATAGI has released a statement on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation products and prevention of administration errors. The statement follows

recent reports to the TGA indicating that some RSV products have been used incorrectly.

The statement provides guidance on actions following inadvertent administration of the incorrect product, as well as clinical guidance. It should be read in conjunction with the RSV chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook and information on correct administration published by the TGA.  

New National Guidelines for Yellow Fever

DoHDA has released an updated version of the National Guidelines for Yellow Fever Vaccination Centres and Providers, the official guide on how to become an accredited yellow fever vaccination centre or practitioner in Australia.

The updated framework – which covers a variety of areas relating to yellow fever vaccination – explains the accreditation process as well as related roles, responsibilities and operational procedures across federal, state and territory jurisdictions.

In Australia, the yellow fever vaccine can only be prescribed by registered yellow fever-accredited providers, and approved yellow fever centres must meet specific criteria and maintain compliance with national standards. To administer yellow fever vaccine, clinicians must also complete the Yellow Fever Vaccination Learning and Accreditation Course [PDF].

Source: NCIRS Weekly Jab newsletter 8 August 2025. Subscribe here: ncirs.org.au/user/register

Education