COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccination advice depends on age, health and previous vaccination
Recommendations and NIP eligibility changed in October 2026. Confirm current advice and funding when booking.
What it is, and why it matters
COVID-19 is a respiratory infection that can cause serious illness and longer-term symptoms. Older adults and people with certain medical conditions are at greater risk of severe disease.
Vaccination is intended to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19. It does not prevent every infection or replace advice about testing, treatment or reducing transmission when unwell.
How covid-19 vaccination works
Current Australian advice uses annual age and risk-based recommendations. An immuniser checks your age, immune status, previous doses, recent infection and preferences before recommending timing.
The recommendation to receive a dose and eligibility for government funding are separate. A dose that may be considered clinically is not necessarily NIP-funded.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
Funding and eligibility for covid-19 vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Adults aged 75 and over
Two doses each year, about six months apart, subject to Medicare eligibility.
Adults aged 65 to 74
One annual dose is funded, subject to Medicare eligibility. Additional doses require an individual assessment and a separate funding check.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 to 74
One annual dose is funded, subject to Medicare eligibility.
Adults aged 18 to 64 with severe immunocompromise
One annual dose is funded when the specified criteria and Medicare requirements are met.
Other adults and children
Vaccination may be considered according to age, medical risk, pregnancy and individual circumstances. It is not routinely recommended for healthy children under 18, and funding is not universal.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- Adults aged 75 and over are recommended two doses each year, about six months apart.
- Adults aged 65 to 74, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 to 74, and adults aged 18 to 64 with severe immunocompromise are recommended an annual dose. A second dose may be considered for specified groups after assessment.
- Other adults may consider an annual dose after an individual discussion. Pregnancy vaccination may be considered from 20 weeks in each pregnancy. Children and people undergoing particular immune treatments need individual advice.
- The immuniser checks recent infection and previous dose dates. Do not use this page as a personalised interval calculator.
What to expect
- Injection-site discomfort, tiredness, headache, muscle aches or fever can occur. Discuss symptoms that concern you with a health professional.
- Rare serious reactions can occur. Seek urgent medical attention for chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations or signs of a severe allergic reaction after vaccination.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- Tell the immuniser about previous myocarditis, pericarditis or a serious reaction after COVID-19 vaccination. Specialist advice may be needed.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
COVID-19 vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, particularly in people at higher risk. Protection changes over time and is not a guarantee against infection or complications.
FAQs about covid-19 vaccination
Is COVID-19 vaccination free for everyone?
No. Current NIP funding applies to specified age and medical risk groups and requires Medicare eligibility. Ask the provider to confirm funding and any private cost before vaccination.
Do I need a primary course?
Most current recommendations are based on annual age and risk groups, regardless of earlier vaccination history. Some young children with severe immunocompromise and people receiving particular immune treatments need a specialist schedule.
What if I recently had COVID-19?
Tell the immuniser when you were infected and when you last had a vaccine. Timing should take your clinical risk and the current guidance into account.
Primary references
Book your covid-19 vaccination
Contact the pharmacy to check service availability, suitability and booking options.