Immunisation

Is your child one or two years old?

Then they should get a free dose of the new pneumococcal vaccine available from 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012.

Free dose of new pneumococcal vaccine

Australian children receive the pneumococcal vaccine as part of their regular immunisations at two, four and six months of age.

In Victoria, on 1 July 2011, the pneumococcal vaccine for children was replaced with a new version that protects against more types of the bacteria that cause pneumococcal disease.

All Victorian babies now get the new vaccine as part of their regular immunisations.

If your child got all the necessary doses of pneumococcal vaccine before 1 July 2011, they would have been given the old version of the vaccine.

To make up for this, eligible children can get a free dose of the new vaccine between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012.

About the disease

What is pneumococcal disease?

Pneumococcal disease is the name of a range of illnesses caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. Illnesses range from mild to life-threatening, including middle ear infection, pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis.

Most people have the bacteria in the nose and throat, and most of the time this doesn’t cause any illness. However, the very young, older people and those with underlying medical risk conditions are more likely to get pneumococcal disease.

Why should my child be immunised against pneumococcal disease?

The highest rates of pneumococcal disease are in children under two years of age. Immunisation can protect your child from avoidable illness or death caused by the most common types of the pneumococcal bacteria.

About the vaccine

Why has the vaccine been changed?

In Victoria, the old pneumococcal vaccine for children (named Prevenar®) protected against seven types of the bacteria that most often caused illness in children.

In recent years, different types of the bacteria have become more common. The new vaccine (named Prevenar 13®) also protects against these different types of the bacteria.

All children immunised against pneumococcal disease from 1 July 2011 get the new vaccine.

Can my child have the vaccine at the same time as the 12 month or 18 month vaccines?

Yes, the Prevenar13® vaccine can be given at the same time as your child has the 12 or 18 month vaccines.

Eligibility

Who can get the free, one-off dose of new pneumococcal vaccine?

Your child is eligible if they are aged 12–35 months (inclusive) between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012.

When can my child receive the free dose?

Your child must see a doctor or attend a local council immunisation session between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012.

Why has this age range been chosen?

Children under three years old are more likely to get sick from the bacteria the new vaccine protects against. The free dose provides protection for those who can benefit most.

What about children under 12 months old?

Children under 12 months will get the new vaccine as part of their usual vaccination schedule at two, four and six months of age.

If your child turns one year old between 1 October 2011 and 30 September 2012, they may have already received a dose of the new vaccine as part of their regular vaccination schedule and do not need the free, one-off dose. Your doctor or local council can advise you.

What about children three years old and over?

Children three years old and over are far less likely to get pneumococcal disease.

Where to get the vaccine

Who can provide the free dose?

Your doctor or your local council’s immunisation nurse can provide the dose.

If you get your child immunised by your doctor the vaccine will still be free but your doctor may charge a fee for the visit.

How urgent is it that my child gets the free dose?

It is a good idea to organise for your child to get the free dose as soon as possible while they are within the eligible age range and before the free dose program ends on 30 September 2012.

What are possible side-effects of the free dose?

Common side effects of the vaccine are a mild temperature and pain at the injection site. Serious reactions to vaccinations are extremely rare, but sometimes happen.

How can I find out more?

• Talk to your immunisation provider
• Go to the Victorian Government consumer health website at www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au
• Go to the Immunise Australia website at www.immunise.health.gov.au

Download documents

 Supplementary pneumococcal vaccine for one and two year olds fact sheet - A4 size

 Supplementary pneumococcal vaccine for one and two year olds poster - A3 size