COVID-19 vaccine moving to the NIP

From 1 October 2026: , COVID-19 vaccines will move to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Eligibility for free COVID-19 vaccines will be updated to focus on people who have the highest risk of severe disease.

Eligibility for free COVID-19 vaccines under the NIP - 2026

From 1 October 2026, free COVID-19 vaccines will only be available for people at highest risk of severe disease:
• all adults aged 75 years and over (two doses per year, approximately six months apart)
• adults aged 65–74 years (one dose per year)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years (one dose per year)
• adults aged 18–64 years with severe immunocompromise (one dose per year).
People who are not eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine may choose to purchase the vaccine privately based on discussions with their healthcare provider.

Why the change is happening

The NCVP was established under emergency arrangements to provide broad and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines during Australia’s response to the pandemic. At the time, most people had little or no immunity against the disease. COVID-19 is now endemic (common) in Australia. It continues to affect some groups more than others. The vaccination program will focus on maintaining protection against severe COVID-19 in people most at risk.

More information

Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination are being finalised. The COVID-19 chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook will be updated for the program change on 1 October 2026. https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/covid-19-vaccine?language=en

ATAGI STATEMENT ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF COVID-19 VACCINES IN 2024

Latest update 29 february 2024: It is important to read this statement in conjunction with the COVID-19 chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook, available at immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au

Overview of key points and updates for 2024:

• Vaccination remains the most important measure to protect those at risk of severe disease from COVID-19.
• COVID-19 vaccines are recommended every 6 to 12 months for older adults and adults with severe immunocompromise due to their ongoing risk of severe COVID-19.
• Recommendations for people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine (a ‘primary course’) have been updated. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter for further details.
• XBB.1.5-containing vaccines are preferred over other COVID-19 vaccines.
• An XBB.1.5-containing vaccine is not currently available for children aged 6 months—<5 years, however a formulation has been approved for use and supply is anticipated in 2024.
• COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any other vaccine for people aged ≥5 years.
• COVID-19 vaccines remain funded for eligible individuals.

Do you need an additional COVID-19 booster?

From 1 October 2026, free COVID-19 vaccines will only be available for people at highest risk of severe disease:
• all adults aged 75 years and over (two doses per year, approximately six months apart)
• adults aged 65–74 years (one dose per year)
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years (one dose per year)
• adults aged 18–64 years with severe immunocompromise (one dose per year).
People who are not eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine may choose to purchase the vaccine privately based on discussions with their healthcare provider.

2024 booster dose eligibility

A summary of the updated advice is presented in Table 1. Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 chapter for further details. These recommendations will be reviewed annually (or earlier if new evidence emerges or epidemiology changes).

ATAGI recommends a dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥75 years every six months.

ATAGI recommends the following groups receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment: :

• All adults aged 65 to 74 years, and/or
• Adults aged 18 to 64 years if severely immunocompromised

The following groups can consider a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:

• All other adults aged 18—64 years
• Children and adolescents aged 5—<18 years with severe immunocompromise

Check your 2024 booster dose eligibility in the Table below before booking

Please select the vaccine you require: