How long do I wait between two vaccines?

For most inactivated vaccines, no wait is needed — they can be given on the same day or any time apart. The main exception is two live injectable vaccines (like MMR and varicella): if not given on the same day, separate by at least 4 weeks. Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Can I have the flu and COVID vaccine on the same day?

Yes. Flu and COVID are both inactivated (non-live) — they can be given in different arms at the same visit, or on any day apart. There is no minimum interval. Source: NCIRS co-administration guide.

How long between Prevenar 13 or Pneumovax 23 and the new Capvaxive?

A minimum interval of 12 months is usually observed between the older pneumococcal vaccines and Capvaxive (21vPCV). Your GP will check the Australian Immunisation Register and advise on timing.

When is my second Shingrix dose due?

The second Shingrix dose is usually given 2 to 6 months after the first. If you're immunocompromised, the recommended interval may be as short as 1 to 2 months. Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook — Zoster chapter.

📅 Interactive tool · Free · No sign-in

Vaccine interval calculator

Enter what vaccine you had last, when, and what you're due next. See instantly whether they can be on the same day, or the minimum wait — with the earliest date you can safely have the next one. Based on the Australian Immunisation Handbook and ATAGI guidance.

1. Last vaccine given

Date it was given

If it was today, tap "Today". If unsure of the exact date, an estimate is fine — the calculator uses whole-day increments.

2. Next vaccine you're planning

Popular questions — one tap to fill in

Rules of thumb — the whole framework in a page

🟢 Most vaccines: no wait needed

The default position in the Australian Immunisation Handbook is that inactivated (non-live) vaccines can be given at the same visit or any time apart — no minimum interval. That's why flu + COVID + RSV together at one appointment is standard practice.

Different injection sites, at least 2.5 cm apart. Different arms is easiest and preferred for adults.

🟠 Two live injectable vaccines: 4 weeks apart, or same day

The exception is two live injectable vaccines: they should be given at the same visit or separated by at least 4 weeks. Giving them 1–3 days apart can reduce how well the second one works.

Live injectable vaccines used in Australia include:

MMR (measles-mumps-rubella)
MMRV (measles-mumps-rubella-varicella)
Varicella / chickenpox
Yellow fever (travel)
BCG (tuberculosis)
Zostavax (the older shingles vaccine — largely replaced by Shingrix which is NOT live)

Note: Shingrix is not live (recombinant adjuvanted), so it doesn't fall under this rule. It can be given the same day as any other vaccine, live or not.

🔵 Same series — the dose intervals

Shingrix: 2 doses, second 2–6 months after the first (1–2 months if immunocompromised)
HPV (Gardasil 9): single dose in most people 9–25; people aged 12–26 with specified medical risk conditions need 3 doses (NIP); check the Handbook for people 26 and over
Hepatitis B (adult): 0, 1, 6 months (three doses)
Hepatitis A (adult): 0, then 6–12 months for the second dose
Pneumococcal: Capvaxive is a single dose for life — no repeat currently recommended
Older pneumococcal → Capvaxive: minimum 12-month interval from last Prevenar 13 or Pneumovax 23
RSV (Arexvy / Abrysvo): single dose — no repeat currently recommended

🩸 After blood products or immunoglobulin

If someone has recently received immunoglobulin, whole blood or plasma (for example after a snake bite, hepatitis A prophylaxis, or immune deficiency treatment), live vaccines may need to be delayed by several months because passive antibodies can neutralise the vaccine virus. Timing depends on the specific product — this calculator doesn't cover it. Ask your GP.

Related on AskMyGP

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Vaccine Co-admin Checker

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Is This Vaccine Live?

Quick lookup — the key input for the 4-week rule.

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Interactive eligibility check for RSV.

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Pneumococcal Eligibility

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Adult Vaccination Checker

Every vaccine you're due for by age.

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Child Immunisation Schedule

The full NIP paediatric schedule.

Sources. Australian Immunisation Handbook — general principles, co-administration and intervals. NCIRS co-administration guide. Individual vaccine chapters (Zoster, Pneumococcal, HPV, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B) — Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Last verified: July 2026.

Editorial independence: No pharmaceutical company has had editorial input into, reviewed or approved this content. See Editorial Independence & Funding.

Information only — not medical advice. This calculator covers the most common Australian vaccine intervals. Complex situations (immunocompromise, recent immunoglobulin, non-standard schedules, catch-up) need individual assessment by a GP or immunisation provider.