THE new Prevenar 20 pneumococcal vaccine (20vPCV) has now replaced the Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 (23vPPV) on the childhood immunisation schedule, and will protect against 20 prominent types of the disease.

The vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for babies at two, four, and 12 months, and children 17 and under who are immunocompromised.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children will receive four doses at two, four, six and 12 months, making the program consistent across all states and territories.

It is now 20 years since the first pneumococcal vaccine, which covered seven types of the disease, was introduced.

The expanded vaccine strengthens the national effort to protect babies, and means stronger, broader protection from pneumococcal.

The pneumococcal chapter in the Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated, and also includes information on transitional arrangements for kids who were previously recommended 23vPPV and those who have already completed their schedule – see the updated chapter HERE.

There is also a free webinar on the updates for immunisation providers on 25 Sep – learn more HERE.

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