COVID-19 vaccines to transition to the National Immunisation Program from 1 October 2026
The Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has announced that COVID-19 vaccines will transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) from 1 October 2026, replacing the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP) established during the COVID-19 pandemic response.
Under the NIP, funded COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be available as a universal program. Instead, funded access will be available for eligible groups at highest risk of severe disease, in line with COVID-19 vaccination recommendations.
The change reflects the latest advice from the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Updated COVID-19 vaccination recommendations will be published in the Australian Immunisation Handbook on 1 October 2026.
What does this mean for vaccination providers?
Until the transition takes effect on 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available under existing NCVP arrangements.
Vaccination providers should continue to offer COVID-19 vaccination in accordance with current program arrangements and clinical recommendations.
The Department has advised that comprehensive resources will be made available to vaccination providers ahead of the transition to support implementation of the new arrangements.
Health professionals are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the upcoming changes and ensure they refer to the updated Australian Immunisation Handbook recommendations when they take effect on 1 October.
Key date: 1 October 2026
Until then: Current NCVP arrangements remain in place.
Further information is available from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in its statement, COVID-19 vaccines – Update for immunisation providers.