Is the flu vaccine free in Australia?

The annual flu vaccine is free under the NIP for: people aged 65 and over, all pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over, children aged 6 months to under 5 years, and people of any age with certain medical conditions (cardiac disease, chronic respiratory conditions, immunocompromising conditions, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, chronic neurological conditions, haematological disorders).

Is the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) free in Australia?

Shingrix is free under the NIP for: non-Indigenous Australians aged 65 and over (2 doses), Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over (2 doses), and people aged 18 and over with a specified immunocompromising condition or treatment (2 doses) — the funded list is specific (e.g. transplant, certain cancers and treatments, HIV with a low CD4 count, severe kidney disease) and not every immunocompromising condition qualifies; ask your GP. If you previously received Zostavax through the NIP, wait 5 years before accessing Shingrix for free; if purchased privately, wait at least 12 months.

Is the pneumococcal vaccine free for adults?

From 1 July 2026, the adult pneumococcal program uses Capvaxive (21vPCV) as a single dose. It is free under the NIP for: non-Indigenous Australians aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 25 and over, and people aged 18+ with specified medical risk conditions. Capvaxive replaces the older Prevenar 13 + Pneumovax 23 schedule for adults.

How often is a COVID-19 vaccine recommended for older Australians?

Per ATAGI: adults aged 75 and over are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine every 6 months. Adults aged 65 to 74 (without severe immunocompromise) are recommended every 12 months, and may consider every 6 months based on risk-benefit. Adults 18-64 with severe immunocompromise are recommended every 12 months. Adults 18-64 without severe immunocompromise can consider every 12 months. COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia and can be co-administered with flu and RSV vaccines.

Free Vaccine Eligibility Checker

Which vaccines may be free for you under Australia’s National Immunisation Program? Answer a few questions to find out.

📋 Source: National Immunisation Program Schedule, current from June 2026 — Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (health.gov.au/immunisation). Immunisation recommendations for people with certain medical risk conditions, last updated June 2026 (Australian Immunisation Handbook). Australian Immunisation Handbook (immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au). New from 1 July 2026: single-dose Capvaxive (21vPCV) replaces Prevenar 13 + Pneumovax 23 for adults — read the explainer.
This tool shows eligibility information from the NIP Schedule — including "approaching eligibility" estimates for vaccines that become free at a set age, calculated from the age you enter. These are program-eligibility facts, not a personal health recommendation. Some state/territory health departments fund additional vaccines not listed here. Always discuss your vaccination needs with your GP or immunisation provider.

❄️ Winter focus — three vaccines for older Australians. Before the cooler months, the Department of Health recommends reviewing flu (free 65+ and ATSI 6mo+, annual), COVID-19 (currently free for all; every 6 months if 75+, every 12 months if 65–74 — free eligibility narrows from 1 Oct 2026) and RSV (free 75+ and ATSI 60+, usually a one-off dose). All three can be given at the same appointment. The peak season runs June–September but earlier is better — and it is never too late. You do not need to wait 6 months after a COVID-19 infection to receive a vaccine dose. Source: health.gov.au/winter-vaccinations.

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