Annexe A: information and resources to support implementation
Published 16 December 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/change-of-vaccine-for-the-routine-adult-pneumococcal-vaccination-programme-and-individuals-at-increased-clinical-risk/annexe-a-information-and-resources-to-support-implementation
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)
In June 2023 the JCVI advised that either PCV20 (pneumococcal conjugate vaccine that covers 20 serotypes) or PPV23 (pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine which protects against 23 serotypes) could be used for the adult pneumococcal programme, and for individuals over 2 years in a clinical risk group.
In June 2025, the pneumococcal Green Book chapter was updated to reflect the clinical decision to also use PCV20 in children under 2 years of age with asplenia, splenic dysfunction, complement disorder or severe immunocompromise.
Funding and service arrangements
All routine NHS-funded vaccinations and immunisations are an essential service under the GP Contract. Contractual requirements are set out in the 2025 Statement of Financial Entitlement (SFE).
Accurate and timely recording of all vaccines given and good management of all associated documentation, is essential as per the standards set out in the GMS Regulations, SFE and NHSE GP contact vaccination and immunisation services: standards and core contractual requirements.
Vaccine coverage data collection
GP practice-level vaccine coverage will be based on data automatically uploaded via participating GP IT suppliers to the ImmForm website on a quarterly basis. (The ImmForm website is a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) website to collect data on vaccine coverage and provide vaccine ordering facilities for the NHS.)
The latest vaccine uptake data for England is available online.
Centrally supplied vaccines
The last of the PPV23 stock is forecast to be issued in January and February 2026. PCV20 supply will open for ordering once PPV23 central supply has run down.
PCV20 will be available to order in the usual way online via the ImmForm website. (See the ImmForm help sheet for information on registering for an ImmForm account.) Providers should ensure that local stocks of vaccine are rotated in fridges so that wastage is minimised. It is recommended that practices hold no more than 2 weeks’ worth of stock.
PCV20 is supplied as a pack of 10 x pre-filled syringes without needles.
Patient Group Directions (PGDs)
Updated PGD templates will be produced by the UKHSA for NHS England areas to authorise for their commissioned services. These will be available via the PGD collections page on GOV.UK.
Immunisation Against Infectious Disease (the Green Book)
The latest information on the programme is available in Pneumococcal: the Green Book, chapter 25.
Training and information resources for healthcare practitioners
A new Information for Healthcare Practitioners guidance document is being produced for this programme, and the general immunisation training hosted by elearning for healthcare will be updated to reflect the vaccine change.
Training and information resources for healthcare practitioners will be made available on the pneumococcal vaccination programme pages.
Patient information materials
Updated patient information materials and health professional posters will be published on pneumococcal vaccination programme, and available to order free of charge from Find Health Publications.
All users need to register to receive deliveries. If you register as a health professional, you can order 500 to 1,000 copies on the website. For larger quantities, please call 0300 123 1002.
Consent
Guidance on informed consent can be found in chapter 2 of the Green Book.
Reporting suspected adverse reactions
PCV20 is a black triangle product and is subject to additional monitoring by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA).
Healthcare professionals and members of public are asked to report suspected adverse reactions through the online MHRA Yellow Card scheme, by downloading the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.