Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has a National Immunisation Program (NIP) that provides free vaccines to its citizens. The NIP covers a range of vaccines, including influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal, and childhood vaccinations. Refugees and humanitarian entrants who did not receive certain vaccines as children can also access free vaccines through the NIP. While most vaccines are free, some individuals may need to purchase them privately, depending on their eligibility and the specific vaccine. Australia's COVID-19 vaccination campaign has been successful, with over 95% of the population aged 12 and older being fully vaccinated.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| COVID-19 vaccines free for | Everyone in Australia, regardless of Medicare or visa status |
| Influenza vaccines free for | Children over six months and younger than five years old |
| Shingles vaccine free for | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and adults 18 years and over with underlying conditions |
| Pneumococcal vaccine free for | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, and anyone over 12 months with an at-risk condition |
| Refugees and humanitarian entrants | Can get free National Immunisation Program vaccines if they did not receive them in childhood |
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What You'll Learn
Free COVID-19 vaccines for all
Australia has a National Immunisation Program (NIP) that provides free vaccines to its citizens. This program covers vaccines for shingles, pneumococcal, influenza, and COVID-19.
The Australian government provides free COVID-19 vaccines to everyone living in Australia, regardless of their Medicare or visa status. This includes all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and even those without Medicare. The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Australia, known as "Operation COVID SHIELD", aimed to vaccinate as many citizens as possible. As of August 2022, over 62 million vaccine doses had been administered across the country, with over 95% of the population aged 12 and above being fully vaccinated.
The Australian government has worked with various medical facilities to ensure the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines. These include hospitals, clinics, community health centres, and GP clinics. Additionally, walk-in clinics have been set up in capital cities, and mass vaccination hubs have opened in several states, including South Australia and Victoria. The Australian government has also advised that COVID-19 vaccines can be safely co-administered with influenza vaccines.
The COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Australia has been a collaborative effort involving the government, medical professionals, and vaccination providers. The government has provided clear recommendations and guidelines, while medical professionals have offered advice and addressed concerns regarding individual circumstances and risks. This collective effort has contributed to the high vaccination rate in Australia, helping to protect the health and safety of its citizens.
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Free influenza vaccines for children
In Australia, influenza vaccines are available for free for children aged six months to under five years. The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free seasonal influenza vaccines for those at higher risk of complications from influenza. This includes children aged six months to under five years, who can be given the vaccine at the same time as childhood vaccines.
The influenza vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended for children under five years of age as they are at a higher risk of developing complications and requiring hospitalisation from influenza. In the first year of receiving the vaccine, children under nine years of age should receive two doses of the influenza vaccine, given at least four weeks apart.
The specific vaccines available for free for children under five years of age under the NIP are VaxiGrip Tetra® and FluQuadri®. However, it is important to note that some FluQuadri® vaccines are only available while stock of VaxiGrip Tetra® is distributed. The FluQuadri® vaccine can be used to vaccinate NIP-eligible children under five years of age.
In addition to the NIP, the ACT government has also announced free pop-up clinics for children over six months and under five years old to receive their flu vaccine. This initiative aims to increase immunisation rates among young children and protect them from the serious health risks associated with influenza.
If you are not eligible for a free influenza vaccine, you can purchase it privately through a GP or pharmacy.
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Free shingles vaccines for at-risk groups
In Australia, the shingles vaccine is free for eligible people most at risk of complications from the disease. Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash as a result of the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. While most symptoms typically last 2–3 weeks, shingles can lead to nerve pain that can last for months, or even years, and may cause severe neurological complications.
The Australian government has invested $57.7 million over four years to expand the Shingrix program, which has been available on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) since 1 November 2023. The vaccine is now free for people aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and older, and high-risk immunocompromised adults with certain medical conditions.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to receive free pneumococcal, shingles, and annual influenza vaccines from 50 years of age through the NIP. The shingles vaccine is also available for free for adults 18 years and older who are considered at increased risk of herpes zoster due to a specified medical condition or treatment.
The two-dose course of the shingles vaccine is highly recommended for eligible individuals, as it can significantly reduce the risk of developing shingles. The vaccine does not contain the live virus and is safe for immunocompromised individuals. While the vaccine is free, a consultation fee may be charged by the GP or immunisation provider for the appointment.
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Free pneumococcal vaccines for Aboriginal people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia are eligible to receive free pneumococcal, shingles, and annual influenza vaccines from the age of 50 through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). The pneumococcal vaccine is also available for free to Aboriginal children in South Australia at 6 months, 4 years, and 9-14 years of age. The NIP also provides free vaccines for refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age if they did not receive the recommended childhood vaccines.
The Australian Immunisation Handbook highlights the importance of vaccinating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people against vaccine-preventable diseases, especially those with a disproportionately higher burden of disease compared to non-Indigenous Australians, such as invasive pneumococcal disease.
In addition to the vaccines recommended for all Australians, there are some extra vaccines suggested for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. These include the pneumococcal vaccine, which consists of a single dose of 13vPCV and two doses of 23vPPV for adults aged 50 and above. The first dose of 23vPPV is administered 12 months after the 13vPCV, and the second dose is given at least five years later.
The handbook also emphasizes the need for accurate identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to promote access to culturally safe vaccination services and practices. This includes using patient information systems to record Indigenous status and schedule preventive health services, thereby increasing opportunistic vaccination and enabling patients to receive timely reminders.
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Free vaccines for refugees and immigrants
Vaccinations are generally free in Australia, especially for children and adults over the age of 6 months. However, this may not be the case for everyone, and some may have to pay a consultation fee. Refugees and immigrants moving to Australia are required to provide proof of their vaccination status and receive necessary catch-up vaccinations if they are not up to date.
The Australian government prioritises the vaccination of refugees and other humanitarian entrants, offering free catch-up vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for those who did not receive them as children. This ensures that all age groups are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases. Refugees and immigrants should consult with health professionals to assess their vaccination status and determine any necessary catch-up vaccinations.
Refugees and humanitarian entrants can receive certain funded vaccines under the NIP, which provides free catch-up vaccinations for those who missed out on immunisations during childhood. This program ensures that individuals who may have missed routine vaccinations can receive the necessary doses to protect themselves and the community from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Additionally, the Australian Immunisation Handbook outlines specific guidelines for the vaccination of migrants, refugees, and people seeking asylum. It is recommended that their vaccination status be assessed, and appropriate catch-up vaccinations be administered if needed. This is particularly important for migrants from resource-poor settings, who may have incomplete vaccination records or have not received vaccinations according to the Australian schedule.
Furthermore, the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) serves as a central record-keeping system for all vaccinations received by individuals, including refugees and immigrants. Any vaccines received by these individuals, even before their arrival in Australia, should be reported to the AIR. This helps ensure that there is a comprehensive record of their vaccination history, which can be accessed through AIR History Statements.
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Frequently asked questions
COVID-19 vaccinations are provided by the Australian Government and are free for everyone in Australia, regardless of Medicare or visa status. The shingles vaccine is also free for those at risk of severe illness and complications, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, and adults 18 years and over with underlying conditions. Free influenza vaccinations are also available at pop-up clinics for children between six months and five years old.
The shingles vaccine is available for free for those who are eligible. Adults with specific medical risk conditions may require certain vaccines, so it is recommended that you speak to a health professional about which vaccines you may need.
Yes, refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age can get free National Immunisation Program vaccines if they did not receive them in childhood and they are still clinically recommended.
The maternal RSV vaccine is available for free for pregnant women aged 28 to 36 weeks to protect their baby from RSV. From 3 February 2025, pregnant women will be able to access the ABRYSVO vaccine at their community pharmacy.
