Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia offers a range of free vaccinations for its citizens, including the COVID-19 vaccine, which is available to all ages, and the flu vaccine, which can be accessed through a GP or pharmacy. Additionally, the shingles vaccine is free for those at increased risk, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50, and adults 18+ with underlying conditions. Refugees and humanitarian entrants are also eligible for free vaccinations if they missed out on childhood immunisations. For adults with specific medical conditions, certain vaccines may be recommended, and free pneumococcal vaccines are available for those over 12 months with at-risk conditions. Pregnant women can access free vaccines to protect themselves and their babies, and older Australians are encouraged to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 boosters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for free vaccinations? | Refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, pregnant women, and infants and children. |
| Which vaccines are free? | Shingles, Pneumococcal, Influenza, COVID-19, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, and RSV. |
| Where can you get free vaccinations? | At a community pharmacy, GP, or through the National Immunisation Program (NIP). |
| Who should get vaccinated? | It is recommended that all Australians over the age of 18 get vaccinated, especially those aged 65 and older or with underlying conditions. |
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What You'll Learn
COVID-19 vaccines are free for all Australians
COVID-19 vaccines and boosters are available from a range of vaccination providers, and people are encouraged to speak to their doctor or health provider about vaccination. HealthDirect can help individuals find a vaccine provider near them, and the booster eligibility tool can be used to determine eligibility for a COVID-19 booster vaccination. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) is responsible for assessing all COVID-19 vaccines for safety, quality, and efficacy before they can be used in Australia. The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends a primary dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for all people aged 18 years and over and some younger people with risk factors. It also recommends regular COVID-19 vaccinations (boosters) based on a person's age and specified medical condition.
Despite the availability and recommendation of COVID-19 vaccines and boosters, data shows that less than half of Australia's aged care residents aged 75 and older are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations. In the wider community, only about a fifth of Australians aged 75 and over have received a COVID-19 vaccine or booster in the past six months. Health experts have expressed concern over these low vaccination rates, especially ahead of winter, which typically brings an increase in respiratory infections, including COVID-19.
The Australian Government, led by Prime Minister Scott Morrison, has played a crucial role in securing COVID-19 vaccines for the country. Morrison announced a monumental agreement with AstraZeneca to manufacture one of the world's most promising coronavirus vaccines, developed by researchers at Oxford University. While initially stating that the vaccine would be mandatory, he later backtracked, emphasising that the focus is on achieving high vaccination rates through voluntary means.
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Free shingles vaccine for those at risk
The Australian government provides free vaccinations for refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age if they did not receive the recommended vaccines in childhood. Additionally, all COVID-19 vaccinations are free for people living in Australia, including boosters for those aged 75 and above.
The Australian government offers a free shingles vaccine for eligible individuals at moderate to high risk of severe illness and complications from shingles. Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a disease caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox virus, resulting in severe nerve pain that can persist for months. The free vaccination is available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and covers individuals aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and older, and immunocompromised adults aged 18 and over with specific medical conditions or treatments.
The shingles vaccine, known as Shingrix®, is safe for immunocompromised individuals and does not contain the live virus. It is administered in two doses, with the timing between doses depending on the individual's immune status. The Australian Immunisation Handbook provides detailed recommendations and eligibility criteria for the shingles vaccine, including specific risk conditions and immunosuppressive treatments.
The expansion of the free shingles vaccination program by the Albanese Government is a significant step in protecting at-risk Australians from this debilitating virus, ensuring better health outcomes and reducing potential financial burdens.
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Free pneumococcal vaccines for those at risk
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain). It is especially serious for young children and older people.
The Australian government provides free pneumococcal vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for those who are at risk. The type of vaccine and dosage schedule depends on age and medical conditions that increase the risk of contracting pneumococcal disease.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and above are eligible for three doses in total. Non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 70 and above are eligible for one dose. Children under 12 months with certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk are eligible for six doses over a few years. All children are recommended to receive the pneumococcal vaccine in three doses at 2, 4, and 12 months of age. An extra dose at 6 months is recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children living in Queensland, the Northern Territory, Western Australia, or South Australia.
In addition, eligible people under 20 and refugees or humanitarian entrants of any age can receive free catch-up vaccinations if they did not receive them in childhood.
It is important to note that pneumococcal vaccines are not recommended for pregnant women. Those interested in getting vaccinated should consult their healthcare provider to determine their eligibility and discuss any potential side effects.
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Free vaccines for refugees and humanitarian entrants
Australia has one of the best immunisation programmes in the world, and it is free for some people. Refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age can get free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) if they did not receive the vaccines in childhood and they are still clinically recommended.
The NIP provides free vaccines to ensure refugees are fully immunised in Australia. Most vaccines are funded, but there may be a consultation fee. Refugees and asylum seekers may have been vaccinated as part of their visa application process or while in Australian immigration detention. If they have no valid documentation of vaccination, they should start a catch-up schedule.
The following vaccines are recommended for refugees and humanitarian entrants:
- Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)
- DTPa/dTpa (diphtheria, tetanus, and whooping cough)
- Hepatitis B
- Pneumococcal
- Shingles
In addition, all children should get the following vaccinations:
DTPa-hepB-IPV-Hib (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, polio, and haemophilus influenzae type b)
Free vaccination services are provided by various organisations in Australia, such as the Mater Refugee Complex Clinic, the World Wellness Group, and Multicultural Australia. These organisations offer healthcare, medical services, and support to refugees, asylum seekers, and permanent visa holders.
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Free flu vaccines for older Australians
The Australian Government's National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free routine vaccinations for adults. The annual influenza vaccine is free for people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and people with specific medical conditions that increase their risk of serious influenza complications. Influenza is especially serious for these groups, and the vaccine changes yearly to match new virus strains.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over are eligible for free pneumococcal, shingles, and annual influenza vaccines through the NIP. Refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age can also receive free NIP vaccines if they did not receive them in childhood and they are still clinically recommended.
While the flu vaccine is free for eligible groups, those who are ineligible can still buy it privately through a GP or pharmacy. Queensland Health has developed a stakeholder kit to help communicate important information about the 2025 free influenza vaccination program.
It is recommended that older Australians get a COVID-19 booster, which can be administered simultaneously with the flu vaccine. COVID-19 vaccinations are free for all Australian residents. However, data shows that less than half of aged care residents over 75 years are up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, and only a fifth of older Australians in the community have received a booster in the past six months. Health experts are concerned about the low vaccination rates ahead of winter, which typically brings an increase in respiratory infections.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, COVID-19 vaccines are free for all people living in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.
Yes, the shingles vaccine is available for free for those considered at an increased risk of herpes zoster due to a specified medical condition or treatment. The pneumococcal vaccine is also free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over.
Yes, the maternal RSV vaccine is available for free for pregnant women to protect their babies against RSV.
Yes, refugees and other humanitarian entrants of any age can receive free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program if they did not receive the vaccines in childhood and they are still clinically recommended.
