Adults aged ≥18 years with a risk condition are recommended to receive pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and 23vPPV
People aged ≥18 years with a risk condition (see Table. Risk conditions for pneumococcal vaccination and eligibility for NIP funding) are recommended to receive:
- 1 dose of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (13vPCV, 15vPCV or 20vPCV), and
- 1 dose of 23vPPV 12 months after a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (13vPCV, 15vPCV or 20vPCV) (2–12 months is acceptable), and
- a 2nd dose of 23vPPV at least 5 years after the 1st dose of 23vPPV
There is no preference for either 13vPCV, 15vPCV or 20vPCV. 20vPCV is anticipated to provide benefit against seven additional serotypes, when compared to 13vPCV, but it is uncertain if this difference is maintained after receiving 23vPPV. It should also be noted that 15vPCV is anticipated to provide benefit against two additional serotypes compared to 13vPCV, however this difference is diminished after receiving 23vPPV.2
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged ≥50 years who have already received these doses as part of the adult program do not need the doses repeated.
People who have previously received doses of 23vPPV (a pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine), and not yet received a dose of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), are recommended to receive the PCV dose 12 months after their last 23vPPV dose.
People who have received a haematopoietic stem cell transplant are recommended to receive 3 doses of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine and 2 doses of 23vPPV after transplantation regardless of previous pneumococcal vaccine history. See Table. Recommendations for revaccination after haematopoietic stem cell transplant in children and adults.
13vPCV (Prevenar 13) and the additional doses of 23vPPV (Pneumovax 23) are both funded through the NIP for adults with certain risk conditions. See Table. Risk conditions for pneumococcal vaccination and eligibility for NIP funding For details see the National Immunisation Program Schedule.