Pneumococcal vaccines

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect you against pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal can cause a fever, irritability, pneumonia, meningitis, blood poisoning (septicemia), ear infections and other infections.

Two pneumococcal vaccines are available free under the National Immunisation Program for specific groups.

Vaccine recommendations

Prevenar 13®

The Prevenar 13 vaccine is recommended and funded (free) as part of the National Immunisation Program for:

  • All children at 6 weeks, 4 and 12 months of age.
  • Children at 6 months of age who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
  • Children at 6 months of age who have a specific medical condition and are considered at high risk of increased complications from a pneumococcal infection.
  • Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander adults at 50 years of age.
  • Healthy adults with no risk factors at 70 years of age.

People of other ages with specified medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of pneumococcal infection are also recommended to receive a funded Prevenar 13® vaccine. See Medical at risk immunisation requirements for more information.

Pneumovax 23®

The Pneumovax 23 vaccine is recommended and funded (free) as part of the National Immunisation Program for:

  • Children who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander at 4 years of age, followed by a second dose 5-10 years later.
  • Children aged 4 years of age who have a specified medical condition and are considered at high risk of increased complications from a pneumococcal infection, with a second dose 5-10 years later.
  • Adults who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander over 50 years of age are recommended to receive 2 doses; the first dose should be given 12 months after the Prevenar 13® vaccine (due at 50 years of age), the second dose 5-10 years later.

People of other ages with specified medical conditions that are associated with an increased risk of pneumococcal infection are also recommended to receive a funded Pneumovax 23® vaccine. See Medical at risk immunisation requirements for more information.

The Pneumovax 23 vaccine MUST NOT be given to children LESS THAN TWO YEARS OF AGE.
ONLY 2 DOSES OF Pneumovax 23® IN A LIFETIME.

How the vaccine is given

The pneumococcal vaccine is given as an injection into the thigh if under 12 months of age, or into the muscle of the upper arm if over 12 months of age.

Possible side effects 

Like any medications, the pneumococcal vaccines can have some minor and short lasting side effects.

Common side effects may include:

  • pain, redness and swelling at the injection site
  • mild fever of 37-38 degrees Celsius
  • irritability, drowsiness and decreased appetite.

Very rarely, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to the vaccine.

If you are concerned, seek further advice from your doctor, immunisation provider, SA Health’s Immunisation Section or healthdirect Australia

Any unexpected event following immunisation should be reported to SA Health.

Reducing the side effects

Many of the common side effects can be reduced by:

  • drinking extra fluids
  • taking paracetamol
  • not overdressing if you are hot
  • apply a cool compress at the injection site

Where to get immunised

To receive the vaccine contact your doctor, local council, community health centre or Aboriginal health centre to arrange an appointment. 

For further information on immunisation providers, see the Immunisation services page.