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.
If you qualify for NIPVIP at this pharmacy, there is no patient charge. Ask us to check first.
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
A doctor or council nurse can check which vaccines a young child needs. Free vaccines have Medicare and other rules.
School students
School programs give some vaccines to eligible students. If a dose was missed, ask which provider can help.
People who are pregnant
Some vaccinations are funded during pregnancy. A pharmacist or GP checks which ones apply and when they can be given.
Older people (65 and over)
Some flu, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines are funded from age 65. A clinician checks your records, health and Medicare rules.
Adults who may need MMR
MMR protects against measles, mumps and rubella. In Victoria, free adult MMR depends on your birth year and vaccine or immunity records. Ask us to check. Medicare is not needed for this state program.
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. We will check the funding rules.
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
Check availability first
Call before coming. A pharmacist and the service you need may not be available.
- 4
A pharmacist checks if vaccination is suitable
They ask questions about your health. They explain the options and ask for your consent.
- 5
You stay for observation
You usually stay for at least 15 minutes. Tell the pharmacist straight away if you feel unwell.
- 6
You can go home
The pharmacist tells you when you can leave. You may need to stay longer. Ask about your record and aftercare.
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 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 and suitability before care. Website copy updated 25 October 2026.