2026 National Immunisation Program eligibility — check which group applies to you.
📋 Sources (verified 1 October 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 1 October 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, see Queensland-funded vaccines. In NSW, see NSW-funded vaccines. For other states, see free vaccines by state.
ℹ️ The 2026 Queensland and WA free-for-everyone flu programs have ended
The Queensland program (all residents aged 6 months and over) ran 1 March – 30 September 2026 and has ended; the Western Australia program (people not otherwise NIP-eligible) ran 1 May – 31 July 2026 and has ended. From now, free flu vaccination is available to the NIP groups below; otherwise it is a private purchase. Queensland Health notes you can claim $25 back if you were vaccinated on or before 30 September and were charged in error — claims close 31 October 2026. Other states and territories fund the NIP groups below — check your state health department. Sources: vaccinate.initiatives.qld.gov.au; health.wa.gov.au; NCIRS 2026. Verified 1 October 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. The 2026 state-funded nasal spray programs in NSW, QLD and WA have ended (free supply expired on or before 7 August 2026); otherwise it is available privately while stock lasts. Ask your GP which option is best for your child.
Source: health.gov.au; NCIRS 2026
🔁 Two doses if it is their first time
In the first year a child is vaccinated, children aged 6 months to under 2 years need 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart (both funded). Children aged 2 to under 5 need 1 dose a year. Children under 9 with a medical risk condition who are vaccinated for the first time also need 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart (funded). After the first year, 1 dose every year.
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 have ended in NSW, QLD and WA (free stock expired on or before 7 August 2026); we could not confirm the SA program’s end date — check SA Health. NSW Health has said it is considering another program for 2027. Sources: NSW Health; Queensland Health; WA Health Vaccine Update 499. Verified 1 October 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+ are preferentially recommended a vaccine designed to produce a higher immune response. Fluad (adjuvanted) is the NIP-funded one; the high-dose vaccine (Fluzone High-Dose) is equally preferred but is a private purchase. Ask your GP which 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:
❤️ Cardiac disease🫁 Chronic respiratory disease (incl. severe asthma, COPD)🧠 Chronic neurological conditions💉 Immunocompromising conditions🧪 Diabetes and other metabolic disorders🫘 Renal disease🩸 Haematological conditions🦴 Conditions affecting respiratory function💊 Long-term aspirin therapy in children aged 5–10
Source: Dept of Health 2026 Influenza Vaccination program advice (Feb 2026). People aged 5 to 64 with these conditions can also have the cell-based vaccine (Flucelvax), which is NIP-funded for them. 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.
🆓 State-funded flu programs in 2026 (ended)
🇦🇺 Queensland — program ended 30 September 2026
Free influenza vaccination for all Queenslanders aged 6 months and over ran from 1 March to 30 September 2026. It has now ended; NIP-eligible groups remain funded. Providers can seek reimbursement for vaccines given before 30 September until 31 October 2026.
Source: vaccinate.initiatives.qld.gov.au; health.qld.gov.au (verified 1 Oct 2026)
🇦🇺 Western Australia — program ended 31 July 2026
The state-funded free flu vaccine for people aged 12 to 64 not otherwise NIP-eligible ran from 1 May and concluded on 31 July 2026. Some select cohorts remain eligible for free inactivated flu vaccine in WA — see WA Health.
Source: health.wa.gov.au; WA Health Vaccine Update 499 (5 Aug 2026)
📍 Other states & territories
Other states and territories may run their own programs — eligibility and dates vary, so check 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, and kidney disease all meet the threshold. (Obesity is recommended for flu vaccination, but is not NIP-funded in the Department of Health’s August 2026 table.) 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.