Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP) now includes a 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for infants and children aged six weeks and older.
The new vaccine, Prevenar 20 (PCV20), was added to the program as of the start of September and replaces the 13-valent PCV13.
The decision to update the NIP follows a recommendation from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI.
It comes at a critical time, with Australia reporting 2379 cases of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) in 2024 – a 20-year high. About 23% of those cases were in individuals 19 years old and under.
As of September 4 there were 181 cases recorded in WA.
Pneumococcal disease is caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to life-threatening conditions like pneumonia, meningitis, and bacteraemia when it enters sterile parts of the body.
While the bacteria often live harmlessly in the nasopharynx of healthy individuals, particularly children, the recent rise in IPD cases highlights the evolving nature of the bacteria and the emergence of new serotypes.
The NIP listing of PCV20 expands coverage to include seven additional serotypes – 8, 10A, 11A, 12F, 15B, 22F, and 33F – in addition to the 13 serotypes covered by its predecessor.
This broader protection is welcome progress, as young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying medical conditions remain at a higher risk of developing IPD.
RELATED: Vaccine hesitancy on the rise in WA
For infants with no additional risk factors, PCV20 will be administered in a three-dose schedule at two months, four months, and 12 months of age.
For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and those with specified medical risk factors, a four-dose schedule is recommended at two, four, six, and 12 months.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook has been updated to reflect these changes, recommending PCV20 for all infants and children under five, as well as for children and adolescents under 18 years of age with specific medical risk conditions.
Healthcare providers should ensure appropriate medical treatment and supervision are available in the rare case of an anaphylactic event following administration.
For further information and guidance, healthcare professionals can refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Want more news, clinicals, features and guest columns delivered straight to you? Subscribe for free to WA’s only independent magazine for medical practitioners.
Want to submit an article? Email editor@mforum.com.au