Free vaccines in Australia
This page is in Easy English.
It tells you who can get free vaccines.
It also tells you how to get a vaccine at our pharmacy.
What is the NIP?
NIP is short for the National Immunisation Program.
It is run by the Australian Government.
The NIP gives free vaccines to many people in Australia.
You do not have to pay for a vaccine on the NIP.
Who can get a free vaccine?
You may be able to get a free vaccine if you are in one of these groups.
Babies and children
Babies and children up to 4 years old can get free vaccines. Most are given by your doctor or council nurse.
School students
Students in Year 7 and Year 10 can get free vaccines at school. If they miss the day, we can do them here.
People who are pregnant
People who are pregnant can get a free flu vaccine and a free whooping cough vaccine. These vaccines keep you and your baby safe.
Older people (65 and over)
People who are 65 or older can get a free flu vaccine, a free shingles vaccine, and free vaccines for some chest infections.
Adults aged 20 to 59 who need MMR
MMR is short for measles, mumps and rubella. The state government in Victoria pays for this vaccine for adults who have not had 2 doses. You do not need a Medicare card.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Some vaccines are free at younger ages for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Tell us if this is you so we can check.
What to bring
Photo ID, like a driver licence or a passport.
Your Medicare card if you have one. You do not need one for free MMR.
Your old vaccine record if you can find it. We can help if you cannot.
Will it cost money?
If your vaccine is on the NIP and you can have it for free, you do not pay.
Some vaccines are not on the NIP.
For example, vaccines for travel are not free for most people.
If your vaccine costs money, we will tell you the price first.
You can say yes or no.
How to get a vaccine
There are 6 simple steps.
- 1
Come to the pharmacy
We are at Sunshine Marketplace, 80 Harvester Road, Sunshine.
- 2
Or call us first
You can call (03) 9364 7133. We can answer your questions on the phone.
- 3
You do not need a booking
You can just walk in. A booking can be faster.
- 4
A pharmacist will check you are safe
They will ask a few questions and then give you the vaccine.
- 5
You wait 15 minutes
You sit and wait for 15 minutes after the vaccine. This is to keep you safe.
- 6
You can go home
After 15 minutes you are free to leave. Your vaccine is added to your record.
Help with words
Vaccine
A vaccine is a medicine. It teaches your body how to fight a sickness before you catch it.
NIP
NIP is short for the National Immunisation Program. The Australian Government pays for these vaccines.
Pharmacist
A pharmacist is a person who knows about medicines. Some pharmacists can give you a vaccine.
Medicare card
A Medicare card is a card from the Australian Government. It helps pay for some health care. You do not need one for free MMR.
For more words, see our full glossary.
Help in another language
You can have a free interpreter.
An interpreter is a person who speaks your language. They help you understand.
Call 131 450 to ask for one.
This is free.
Talk to us
We are happy to answer your questions. You can call us, send a message, or come in.
Want the full details, with all the medical words? See the full vaccine schedule.
This page is an Easy English summary, not medical advice. The full eligibility for the National Immunisation Program is set by the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care and the Australian Immunisation Handbook. We will check your eligibility on the day. Last reviewed 14 May 2026.