Routine adult vaccinations
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides free vaccines to all adults with Medicare. Some other vaccines are available under a
NSW program.
Catch-up vaccines are free for the following people:
- All people under 20 years of age
- People under 26 years who have missed the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine
- Refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age.
Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist for advice.
Adult national immunisation schedule
Pneumococcal (Prevenar 13 and Pneumovax 23)
| - 70 years and over, or
- 50 years and over for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, or
- People with eligible medical conditions.
|
Shingles (Shingrix) - 2 doses
| - 65 years and over, or
- 50 years and over for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, or
- 18 years and over with eligible medical conditions
|
Flu (Influenza) - annually
| - 65 years and over, or
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, or
- Pregnant women (at any stage), or
- People with eligible medical conditions.
|
COVID-19 (Coronavirus) - annually
| Following a primary course: 18-64 years with severe immunocompromise, or
- 65-74 years, or
- 75 years and over (every 6 months).
|
Where to get vaccinated
- General practices and/or medical centres
- Pharmacies
- Community health or local council clinics (in some areas)
- Aboriginal Medical Services.
Note: While vaccines are free some proivders may charge consultation or administration fees. Check with your provider when booking your appointment.
Pneumococcal
Pneumococcal disease is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infection and meningitis (inflammation of the linings around the brain). Older adults and people with medical conditions are at higher risk. A single dose is recommended.
Shingles
Shingles is a painful rash caused by the reactivation of the chickenpox (varicella zoster) virus. Without vaccination, one in 3 people will get shingles. The risk of getting more severe shingles increases as you get older. 2 vaccine doses are needed for best protection.
Influenza (flu)
Flu is a very contagious infection of the airways. It can be especially serious for older people. It can cause serious illness and even death in otherwise healthy people. The flu vaccine is updated annually to match circulating virus strains. That’s why it’s important for people to get the vaccine every year.
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccines are the best way to protect against severe illness, having to go to hospital, and death. Vaccination is especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and anyone at higher risk of severe COVID-19. You can check your eligibility for a COVID-19 booster vaccination using this eligibility checker online tool.
Additional vaccination considerations
Some people in NSW can also receive free vaccines for:
- Hepatitis B
- Japanese encephalitis
- Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR)
- Mpox.
Please check the NSW Health Immunisation site or speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Vaccine safety and side effects
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) monitors vaccines in Australia for safety and effectiveness. All vaccines used in Australia give benefits that far outweigh any risks. It is much safer to be vaccinated than to get the disease.
You may have mild side effects after vaccination – this is normal. Most side effects are mild, temporary and part of the immune system’s natural response to the vaccine.
Common reactions include:
- pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
- headache, fatigue, mild fever
- muscle aches or feeling faint.
Vaccination records
Your vaccination records are on the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). You can access your immunisation history statement in these ways:
- Logging in to my.gov.au via your Medicare account
- Using the Express Plus Medicare mobile app
- Calling Services Australia on 1800 653 809
- Asking your doctor or pharmacist for a printout.