2026 National Immunisation Program eligibility — check which group applies to you.
📋 Sources (verified June 2026):
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing — Influenza (flu) vaccine 2026 ↗.
NCIRS — Influenza vaccine FAQs March 2026 ↗.
TGA — 2026 Seasonal Influenza Vaccines ↗.
ATAGI Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026.
NIP schedule effective 1 January 2026 — health.gov.au ↗.
State programs: health.vic.gov.au · health.nsw.gov.au · sahealth.sa.gov.au · health.wa.gov.au.
NIP eligibility criteria and state programs may change. Verify with your GP, pharmacist, or health.gov.au.
🇦🇺 Australia · NIP 2026 · Updated April 2026
ℹ️ General information only. Your GP or pharmacist can confirm your eligibility and book your vaccination. Some states have additional free programs beyond the NIP — check with your local provider.
✅ In Queensland & WA, the flu vaccine is free for everyone in 2026
You do not need to be in an NIP group below. Queensland funds free flu vaccination for all residents aged 6 months and over (1 March – 30 September 2026; no Medicare card needed). Western Australia funds it for people not otherwise NIP-eligible (1 May – 30 June 2026). Other states and territories fund the NIP groups below — check your state health department. Sources: health.qld.gov.au; health.wa.gov.au; NCIRS 2026.
Which describes you? Select all that apply — any one can qualify you.
✅
Yes — free under the NIP
Children aged 6 months to under 5 years are eligible regardless of health status.
💉 What is available
Injectable flu vaccine free at your GP, immunisation clinic, or participating pharmacy. Nasal spray (FluMist/LAIV) is approved for children aged 2 to 17 and is free for eligible children through state programs in NSW, QLD, SA and WA (funded ages vary by state — see below); otherwise it is available privately. Ask your GP which option is best for your child.
Source: health.gov.au; NCIRS 2026
🔁 Two doses if it is their first time
Children aged under 9 years receiving the flu vaccine for the first time need 2 doses, given 1 month apart. Children with medical risk conditions under 9 years also need 2 doses if vaccinating for the first time.
Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook
📅 When to get it
From April each year, to be protected for peak flu season (June to September). Can be given at the same time as other childhood vaccines.
Source: NIP schedule 2026
🗺️ State nasal spray (FluMist) programs 2026: NSW · SA — children 2 to <5 yrs | QLD — children 2–5 yrs (plus 6–17 yrs who are needle-averse) | WA — children 2 to <12 yrs. Funded ages vary by state and can change — check your state program before booking. Sources: NCIRS state/territory funding; QLD Health FluMist FAQ. Current as at 2 March 2026.
✅
Yes — free under the NIP
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and older are eligible.
✅ Any age from 6 months
This includes children, adults, and elderly — all are eligible regardless of other medical conditions. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at higher risk of serious influenza complications and hospitalisation.
Source: health.gov.au 2026
📍 Where to get it
GP, Aboriginal health service, immunisation clinic, or participating pharmacy. Available from April each year. Vaccine should be reported to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR).
Source: NIP 2026
✅
Yes — free under the NIP
Pregnant women are eligible at any stage of each pregnancy.
🤰 Safe at any trimester
Flu vaccination is recommended and safe throughout pregnancy. It also protects your baby in the first months of life, before they are old enough to be vaccinated.
Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook; health.gov.au 2026
💉 Can be co-administered
With whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine at 20–32 weeks, RSV vaccine from 28 weeks, and COVID-19 vaccine.
Source: health.vic.gov.au 2026
🗣️ Tell your GP or midwife
Let them know you are pregnant so they record the antenatal indicator when reporting to the AIR. Get vaccinated from April each year.
Source: AIR reporting guidance 2026
✅
Yes — free under the NIP
Adults aged 65 and older are eligible — including a higher-response vaccine.
⭐ Enhanced vaccine available
Adults aged 65+ can receive a vaccine specifically designed to produce a higher immune response (Fluad adjuvanted or Fluzone High-Dose). Standard vaccines are also available. Ask your GP which formulation is best for you.
Source: TGA; health.gov.au 2026
💉 Can be co-administered
With the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) at the same visit.
Source: ATAGI Statement 2026
📅 Get it from April
Available at your GP, immunisation clinic, or participating pharmacy. All vaccinations must be reported to the AIR.
Source: NIP 2026
✅
Likely yes — check your specific condition
Many medical conditions qualify. Your GP confirms eligibility at the time of vaccination.
📋 Qualifying medical conditions (NIP 2026)
People aged 6 months and older with any of the following are eligible:
Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook; health.gov.au 2026. Full criteria at health.gov.au ↗
✅ Your GP confirms eligibility
At the time of vaccination — you do not need to bring documentation. If you have a qualifying condition, mention it when booking so the practice orders the NIP-funded vaccine.
Source: NIP 2026
❓ Not sure if your condition qualifies?
Ask your GP. For complex conditions or rare diagnoses, your GP can confirm based on the full eligibility criteria in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
💰
Not covered by the NIP — but still available
You can purchase the vaccine privately. It is still strongly recommended for everyone 6 months and over.
🆓 Free in your state right now
🇦🇺 Queensland — free for everyone
Free influenza vaccination for all Queenslanders aged 6 months and over from 1 March 2026, through participating GPs, pharmacies and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services.
Source: health.qld.gov.au 2026
🇦🇺 Western Australia — free if not otherwise eligible
Free flu vaccine for residents aged 5 to 64 years not otherwise NIP eligible, from 1 May to 30 June 2026, through participating immunisation providers.
Source: health.wa.gov.au April 2026
📍 Other states & territories
Some also run free or expanded flu programs in 2026 — eligibility and dates vary, so it is worth checking your state or territory health department.
Source: state/territory health departments
💲 If you buy privately
💰 Typical cost
Typically $15–$30 for the vaccine. A consultation fee from your GP may also apply. Many pharmacies offer flu vaccination without an appointment, often with no consultation fee.
Source: NPS MedicineWise; pharmacy prices vary
💉 Recommended every year
Annual vaccination is recommended for all Australians aged 6 months and over, regardless of NIP eligibility. Flu can cause serious illness even in healthy adults.
Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook; health.gov.au 2026
💡 Still might qualify? Many people have medical conditions that qualify but don’t realise it — heart disease, diabetes, severe asthma, kidney disease, and obesity (BMI ≥40) all meet the threshold. Select “medical condition” above to check.
2026 NIP free flu vaccine — quick reference
Group
Age
Free?
Children
6 months to <5 years
✅ Yes
Aboriginal & TSI people
6 months and older
✅ Yes
Pregnant women
Any trimester
✅ Yes
Older adults
65 years and older
✅ Yes
Medical conditions
6 months and older
✅ Yes
Everyone else
5–64 years, no qualifying condition
Purchase privately
Source: Australian Government Department of Health — health.gov.au ↗ · NIP 2026. Some states have additional free programs beyond the NIP. Annual vaccination recommended for all Australians aged 6 months and over.