Pneumococcal Vaccine Program Update
Dear Colleagues,
The Ministry of Health has provided an update on the publicly funded pneumococcal vaccine program (see attached letter). Routine immunization for individuals 65 years of age and older will transition to the pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine (Pneu-C-21, Capvaxive). Pneu-C-21 is expected to provide broader protection against invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) compared to the Pneu-C-20 vaccine for individuals 65 years of age and older. The program transition is planned for August 17, 2026.
The eligibility criteria for publicly funded pneumococcal vaccine programs otherwise remain unchanged. Re-vaccination is not part of the product transition to Pneu-C-21 vaccine (i.e., if a dose of publicly funded pneumococcal vaccine was previously received, eligibility does not extend to re-vaccination with publicly funded Pneu-C-21 vaccine).
Ottawa Public Health’s online order form has now been updated to allow the Pneu-C-21 vaccine to be ordered for the vaccination of eligible individuals. Orders will be processed once OPH receives supply from the Province.
Please refer to the following links for more information:
- Ministry of Health – Healthcare provider letter (pneumococcal 21-valent conjugate vaccine)
- Health Care Provider Fact Sheet: Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccines for Adults Aged 18 Years and Older
- Vaccine Fact Sheet: Pneumococcal Vaccine Program for Individuals Aged 6 Weeks and Older
- Health Care Provider Fact Sheet: Pneumococcal Immunization for Children Aged 6 Weeks to 17 Years