From 1 November 2025, the new Aged Care Act 2024 strengthened the requirement for residential aged care providers to provide access to recommended vaccinations for their residents. This includes vaccines such as influenza, COVID-19, shingles and pneumococcal.
Keeping residents up to date with vaccinations is one of the most effective ways to protect their health and prevent outbreaks in aged care homes. Residential aged care homes are responsible for ensuring residents have access to the recommended vaccinations as soon as they are eligible. Providers should support residents who are not yet vaccinated or are eligible for their next vaccination, to get vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible.
Vaccinations can be administered by a GP or pharmacist visiting your aged care home. Talk to your Primary Health Network (PHN) if you require assistance accessing a local primary care provider.
Vaccines funded under the National Immunisation Program - Updated 1 September 2025
Information about administering the Influenza (flu) vaccine in residential care facilities, including aged care, and disability home residents.
Residential care facilities can order Oseltamivir (Tamiflu®) from the NSW State Vaccine Centre to treat or prevent influenza during an outbreak. To order, complete this RACF influenza antiviral treatment access online form.
Residential care facilities must comply with the NSW Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation when storing and administering certain medicines, including antivirals and vaccines. This authorisation ensures that facilities can legally possess and supply Schedule 4 and Schedule 8 medicines under strict safety and record-keeping requirements.
