From 1 July 2026, an additional 1.8 million Australians will become eligible to receive free pneumococcal vaccination under the expanded National Immunisation Program (NIP), bringing the total number of Australians eligible for funded pneumococcal vaccination to more than 5 million.
Newly funded CAPVAXIVE® indicated for the prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults caused by certain bacterial serotypes.
FOR IMMEDIATE USE: JUNE 30, 2026
Newly listed vaccine in expanded adult pneumococcal National Immunisation Program
Eligibility expanded to include adults aged 65-69, First Nations People aged 25-59 and newly eligible at-risk adults1,2
More than 5 million Australians3 will be eligible to receive funded vaccination to help prevent pneumococcal bacterial infections such as pneumonia, septicaemia, meningitis and middle ear infections,4 under an expanded National Immunisation Program (NIP) for Australian adults.1,2
From July 1, 2026, an extra 1.8 million Australians3 on top of the previously funded will be eligible to receive CAPVAXIVE® (Pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine), indicated for the prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults caused by certain bacterial serotypes.1,2
Under the expanded NIP eligibility, adults aged ≥ 65 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged ≥ 25 years and individuals with certain at-risk conditions aged ≥ 18 years, will now be eligible for vaccination,1,2 including for the first time at-risk adults with chronic liver disease (CLD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).1,5
Eligible adults who had received a previous pneumococcal vaccine, will be able to be revaccinated with CAPVAXIVE at least 12 months after their previous vaccination.1
Chifumi Umeda, Managing Director, MSD Australia and New Zealand, said the addition of CAPVAXIVE on the NIP is testament to the Australian Government’s commitment to help protect Australians against pneumococcal disease.
“We welcome the Government’s investment in expanding access to adult pneumococcal vaccination and its commitment to protecting Australians at risk of serious disease.1,5
MSD looks forward to partnering with the Government to support implementation of this important program, bringing our long-standing commitment to vaccines and preventative health to help deliver better public health outcomes,” said Ms Umeda.
Preventative health advocate, Dr Sarah Chu, says, “the changes may help protect eligible adults against pneumococcal disease.”
“The expansion of the adult pneumococcal NIP has been long awaited, as pneumococcal disease and invasive pneumococcal disease in particular, may lead to severe illness, long-term consequences and even death,”2,6 Dr Chu said.
“Australia has a strong infant pneumococcal NIP and we welcome the Government’s commitment and investment in helping protect even more Australians through the updated adult pneumococcal NIP.”
Invasive pneumococcal disease can be serious for older Australians, people living with at-risk conditions and First Nations People who are at high risk for bacterial pneumonia, blood infections and meningitis.7
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Recent data [Quarter 1 2026] from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) shows that 371 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease were reported between January and March 2026, a 16.7 per cent increase compared to the same time last year.8
In 2025, notified invasive pneumococcal disease case numbers among Australians aged 65-69 years were almost 1.4 times higher than notified case numbers among Australians aged 70-74 years. Further, 37 per cent of cases of invasive pneumococcal disease, were reported among those aged over 65 years.8
The expansion of the adult pneumococcal NIP, lowers eligibility age among older Australians from 70+ years down to 65+ years, and First Nations People from 50+ years down to 25+ years.9
Dr Rod Pearce AM, Chair, Immunisation Coalition, says, “the new changes are set to simplify the previously complex adult pneumococcal disease schedule.”
“To date many Australians and even health care professionals have been unsure about who can be vaccinated against pneumococcal disease and when. With the new changes, GPs, pharmacists and nurse immunisers will be able to have a simple, informed conversation with their patients to help protect them against this vaccine-preventable disease,” Dr Pearce said.
Adults living with CLD also face increased risk of pneumococcal disease due to a weaker immune system.10 Adults with COPD are also at increased risk of developing pneumonia, which may lead to further damage to lung tissue.11
Lung Foundation CEO, Mark Brooke, says, “this is a significant step forward for Australians living with COPD.”
“Lung Foundation Australia has long advocated for free access to pneumococcal vaccination for all people with COPD under the National Immunisation Program,” Mr Brooke said.
“For people living with COPD, respiratory infections can have a serious impact on their health and wellbeing.11
“Expanding access to pneumococcal vaccination is an important measure to help reduce this burden,” said Mr Brooke.
Caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, pneumococcal disease can occur at any time of the year.12 It can develop quickly, usually within one to three days.4 While most pneumococcal infections are not invasive, occurring in the sinuses or the middle ear, invasive infection, where the bacteria enter sterile organs such as the lungs, the brain, the spinal cord or the bloodstream, may become severe or life-threatening.2
ABOUT CAPVAXIVE
CAPVAXIVEÒ is indicated for active immunisation for the prevention of pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes (3, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15A, 15B, 15C, 16F, 17F, 19A, 20A, 22F, 23A, 23B, 24F, 31, 33F, and 35B) in adults 18 years of age and older. CAPVAXIVEÒ may not prevent disease caused by S. pneumoniae serotypes that are not listed in the indications. The use of CAPVAXIVEÒ should be guided by official recommendations.13
SELECTED SAFETY INFORMATION
CAPVAXIVE® is a vaccine that helps protect against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria in adults 18 years of age and older. ADVERSE EVENTS: Common side effects (≥10%) include injection site pain, redness or swelling, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, and fever, usually mild and lasting less than 3 days. There is a very small risk of a serious allergic reaction with symptoms of wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips or tongue, hives and rash. PRECAUTIONS: Inform your healthcare provider if you have other medical conditions, especially a weakened immune system or if you are on immunosuppressive treatments, as this may reduce vaccine effectiveness. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding. MORE
CONTRAINDICATIONS: Before receiving it, your doctor will check for any history of severe allergic reactions to CAPVAXIVE®, diphtheria toxoid, or its ingredients. INTERACTIONS: CAPVAXIVE® can be given at the same time as flu (inactivated seasonal influenza) vaccine.13 Tell your healthcare professional about any other medicines, vaccines, vitamins or supplements you take.
For further information, see the CAPVAXIVE® Consumer Medicine Information CAPVAXIVE® Consumer Medicine Information .
About MSD
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.msd.com and connect with us on X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
Notes to editor
Dr Sarah Chu, Dr Rod Pearce and Mr Mark Brooke have not received any compensation in relation to this media announcement. The opinions expressed are their own. Refer to Disclosure Australia, from Medicines Australia outlining any Transfer of Value to healthcare professionals from Medicines Australia member companies.
‒ENDS‒
Issued by RAPMedia on behalf MSD Australia.
Media Contacts:
Ruby Archis, RAPMedia M: 0413 834 906 / E: [email protected]
John Wanna, RAPMedia M: 0430 302 822 / E: [email protected].
Copyright © 2026 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, and its affiliates. All rights reserved.
Merck Sharp & Dohme (Australia) Pty Limited. Level 1, Building A, 26 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. AU-NON-00969. Issued June 2026.
References:
- Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC). Australian Immunisation Handbook. Vaccine Preventable Diseases. Pneumococcal Disease. Available at https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pneumococcal-disease. Last accessed, June 2026.
- National Centre for Immunisation Research & Surveillance (NCIRS) Australia. Pneumococcal Vaccines FAQs. Available at https://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs-and-other-resources/pneumococcal-vaccines-frequently-asked-questions-faqs. Last accessed, June 2026.
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. Population Clock. 2026. Available at: https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/population/population-clock-pyramid. Last accessed, May 2026.
- Victorian Government. Department of Health. Invasive Pneumococcal Disease. Available at https://www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/invasive-pneumococcal-disease. Last accessed June 2026.
- Australian Immunisation Handbook. Risk conditions for pneumococcal vaccinations. 22 June 2026. Available at https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/pneumococcal-disease. Last accessed June 2026.
- Australian Centre for Disease Control (ACDC). Invasive Pneumococcal Disease (IPD). Available at https://www.cdc.gov.au/diseases/invasive-pneumococcal-disease-ipd?utm_source=chatgpt.com#why-it-matters-to-public-health. Last accessed, June 2026.
- Australian Institute of Health & Welfare. Pneumococcal Disease in Australia. Fact Sheet 2025. Available at https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/9b5b848f-53c2-483c-881d-7c41b76f3b46/aihw-phe-236_pneumococcal_2025.pdf. Last accessed, June 2026.
- Australian Centre for Disease Control. Dashboard. Pneumococcal Disease. Available at: https://nindss.health.gov.au/pbi-dashboard/. Last accessed, May 2026
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee (PBAC). November 2025. Public Summary Document. 21-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine.
- Stroffolini T, Stroffolini G. Vaccination in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: A Neglected Topic. Vaccines 2024 Jun 27;12(7):715. Doi: 10.3390/vaccines12070715.
- MAYO Clinic. COPD. Available at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679. Last accessed, June 2026.
- Immunisation Coalition. Pneumococcal Disease Fact Sheet. Available at: https://www.immunisationcoalition.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Pneumococcal-Disease-Fact-Sheet-1.pdf. Last accessed, June 2026.
- CAPVAXIVE® Product Information.
Contact details:
Ruby Archis, RAPMedia. M: 0413 834 906 / E: [email protected]
John Wanna, RAPMedia. M: 0430 302 822 / E: [email protected]
