Lung Foundation Australia has welcomed significant changes to Australia’s National Immunisation Program (NIP), which will make pneumococcal vaccination simpler and more accessible for millions of Australians, including for the first time many people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
From 1 July 2026, a free pneumococcal vaccine will be available for Australians aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 25 years and over, and people aged 18 years and over with eligible medical conditions, including COPD and bronchiectasis.
Lung Foundation Australia Chief Executive Officer Mark Brooke said the changes were an important step forward in protecting Australians from serious respiratory illness.
“Pneumococcal pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening bacterial lung infection. We strongly welcome these changes to adult pneumococcal vaccination and commend the Australian Government for expanding access to more Australians,” Mr Brooke said.
Lung Foundation Australia has long advocated for improved access to pneumococcal vaccination, including calling for free access for all people living with COPD through its COPD Blueprint.
“This is an advocacy outcome that Lung Foundation Australia has worked towards for many years,” Mr Brooke said.
“We’re particularly pleased to see COPD included under the National Immunisation Program for the first time, alongside the simplification of the vaccination schedule and expanded eligibility for older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”
Chief Nurse Nicole Parkinson said the changes would help address some of the confusion many Australians experience when navigating adult vaccination recommendations.
“Through our Lung Health Helpline, we regularly hear from people who are unsure about which vaccines they need, when they should receive them, and whether they’re eligible for free vaccination,” Ms Parkinson said.
“Adult vaccination schedules can be confusing, particularly for people living with chronic lung conditions who are already managing ongoing healthcare needs. Moving to a simpler vaccination schedule is a positive step that will make it easier for both consumers and healthcare professionals.”
For people living with COPD, Lung Foundation Australia have a one-page vaccination checklist that patients and their healthcare teams can refer to.
Despite longstanding recommendations, uptake of adult pneumococcal vaccination remains below optimal levels, with national data showing that by the end of 2025, only 48 per cent of Australians aged 70 years and over had received a pneumococcal vaccination.
“Improving access is an important first step, but increasing awareness and uptake must now be the focus,” Mr Brooke said.
“Lung Foundation Australia continues to call for adult vaccination targets within government health strategies to help improve protection against preventable respiratory infections.”
People should speak with their GP, pharmacist or healthcare professional about their eligibility for pneumococcal vaccination and which other vaccinations are recommended for them.
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