Change of vaccine – routine adult pneumococcal vaccination programme and individuals at increased clinical risk
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Dear Colleagues,
Please see some planned changes to pneumococcal vaccination programme for 2026, from UKHSA and NHS England. key points below, with link to changes. Please cascade to primary care nursing teams.
Key points about the vaccine change:
- in January and February 2026, PPV23 central supply will be run down and PCV20 will become available to order for the programme. Further supply information will be provided on Imm Form and in Vaccine Update closer to the time
- once central supply and local PPV23 stocks have been used up, PCV20 should be used for the routine adult pneumococcal vaccination programme, and for those aged 2 years and above in clinical risk groups
- when PCV20 is available to order from Imm Form, children less than 2 years of age with asplenia, splenic dysfunction, complement disorder and severe immunosuppression, and individuals aged 2 years and over with severe immunosuppression, can be offered PCV20 in place of PCV13. The number of doses required will depend upon the age at presentation and is outlined in table 25.3 in the Pneumococcal Green Book chapter
- the vaccine for the routine childhood pneumococcal vaccination programme (PCV13) remains unchanged, and should continue to be offered to all children at 16 weeks and one year of age
Providers are expected to deliver a 100% offer to eligible groups. Providers should also ensure they have robust plans in place to identify and address health inequalities for all underserved groups, and it is expected that progress will be made on reducing unwarranted variation and improving uptake.
Kind Regards
Heidi on behalf of Louise
Louise Brady RN, BSc Hons, NMP PG Dip, MSc Student
Primary Care Nursing Lead & General Practice Nurse
Nursing Directorate, Professional and System Leadership
NHSE