CAPVAXIVE vs Prevenar 13:
If you have previously asked about a “pneumonia vaccine”, you may have heard of Prevenar 13. Australia’s adult pneumococcal vaccination program has changed: from 1 July 2026, CAPVAXIVE replaced Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23 on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for adults.
So what is different, and do you need another vaccination?
What does a pneumococcal vaccine protect against?
Pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It can cause infections including pneumonia and, less commonly, serious invasive disease such as infection of the blood or the tissues surrounding the brain.
There are many types, or serotypes, of pneumococcal bacteria. Vaccines target selected serotypes rather than every cause of pneumonia.
How is CAPVAXIVE different from Prevenar 13?
Prevenar 13 targets 13 pneumococcal serotypes. CAPVAXIVE targets 21 serotypes and was designed around those causing disease in adults.
The difference is more meaningful than the numbers alone. CAPVAXIVE does not simply contain all 13 Prevenar 13 serotypes plus eight more; the vaccines cover different sets of serotypes. Australian health authorities recommend CAPVAXIVE for eligible adults because its targeted serotypes account for a greater share of current invasive pneumococcal disease in adult groups.
That is why CAPVAXIVE is now the recommended adult vaccine. It does not mean that it prevents every case of pneumonia or that a person who received Prevenar 13 was poorly protected at the time.
Who is recommended to receive CAPVAXIVE?
Under the current Australian recommendations, a dose is recommended for:
Adults aged 65 years and over
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and over
Adults aged 18 years and over with certain medical conditions that increase their risk of severe pneumococcal disease
CAPVAXIVE is funded through the NIP for eligible people in these groups. It is registered for adults aged 18 years and over; children follow a different pneumococcal vaccination schedule.
I’ve already had Prevenar 13. Do I need CAPVAXIVE?
Possibly. Eligible adults who previously received Prevenar 13 or another pneumococcal vaccine are generally recommended to receive one dose of CAPVAXIVE at least 12 months after their last pneumococcal vaccine.
Your vaccination history and health conditions matter. A pharmacist can check your record and help establish whether you are due. People who received CAPVAXIVE as adults generally do not need another routine dose when they reach the next age-based eligibility threshold.
What side effects should I expect?
Common side effects include a sore arm, tiredness and headache. These usually settle within a few days. Tell your vaccination provider if you have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous pneumococcal vaccine or one of its ingredients.
Ask your local pharmacist in Reservoir
If you are unsure which pneumococcal vaccine you have received, or whether you are eligible under the updated program, speak with the team at Joseph Amerena Reservoir Pharmacy. We can review your vaccination history and discuss the current recommendations with you.
This article provides general information. Vaccination advice should be based on your individual medical history and current Australian recommendations.
