From 1 July 2020 there will be changes to the immunisation schedule designed to improve protection against meningococcal and pneumococcal disease.
The changes are being implemented following recommendations from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and other clinical experts.
Changes to the NIP meningococcal vaccination schedule
The meningococcal B vaccine (Bexsero®) will be added to the NIP for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants at 2, 4, and 12 months of age. An additional dose at 6 month of age is required for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants with specified medical risk conditions.
Introduction of the vaccine will be supported by a catch-up program for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged under 2 years until 30 June 2023.
Meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY vaccines will also be funded under the NIP for people of all ages with specified medical risk conditions that increase their risk of IMD.
Refer to the:
Changes to the NIP pneumococcal vaccination schedule
The recommendations regarding pneumococcal vaccination dosage and timing have been updated for adults and people with conditions that increase their risk of disease. There are no changes to the universal infant schedule for 13vPCV. The list of conditions that increase the risk of pneumococcal disease has also been revised and simplified.
Refer to the:
- NIP pneumococcal vaccination schedule from 1 July 2020 - Clinical advice for vaccination providers
- NIP pneumococcal vaccination schedule decision tree from 1 July 2020
Changes to the NIP hepatitis A childhood vaccination schedule
To accommodate the introduction of meningococcal B vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children on 1 July 2020, the hepatitis A vaccination schedule points (for children in NT, Qld, SA and WA) will also change.
Resources for vaccination providers
ATAGI advice
- ATAGI clinical advice on changes to recommendations for the use and funding of meningococcal vaccines from 1 July 2020
- ATAGI clinical advice on transitioning to the new hepatitis A vaccination schedule on the National Immunisation Program from 1 July 2020
- ATAGI clinical advice on changes to the vaccine recommendations and funding for people with risk conditions from 1 July 2020
- ATAGI clinical advice on changes to recommendations for the use and funding of pneumococcal vaccines from 1 July 2020
- ATAGI clinical advice on the changes to vaccine recommendations and funding for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 1 July 2020
- ATAGI clinical advice on changes to vaccine recommendations for older non-Indigenous adults from 1 July 2020
NIP schedules
-
National Immunisation Program schedule for all non-Indigenous people
- National Immunisation Program schedule for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- National Immunisation Program childhood schedule fridge magnet card