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Government Funded Vaccinations

Vaccination is vital for a long and healthy life. Our guide provides details on free vaccinations in Australia across the lifespan.

Learn more about immunisation
About Immunisation

Immunisation is a safe and proven way to be protected against diseases that cause serious illness and sometimes death.

Every day immunisations save lives and make it possible for Australians to live free from the illness and disability caused by many vaccine preventable diseases.

By reducing the spread of disease, immunisation not only protects people who have been immunised, but also those in the community who are unable to receive vaccines or are unable to respond to the vaccines themselves.

The immunisations listed in this guide are government funded and correct as at the date of publishing.

National Immunisation Program

The vaccines listed in the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule are provided free by the (federal) government.

Immunisation schedules may differ in each State/Territory with some jurisdictions offering additional state funded vaccines. Please consult your relevant State or Territory Immunisation Schedule for current programs.

Which Vaccines

Age, health, lifestyle and occupation (HALO) will determine which vaccines are recommended for you or your child.

At different stages in your life you need different vaccines to protect you from certain infectious diseases.

Health issues such as premature birth, asthma, diabetes, heart, lung, spleen or kidney conditions, will mean you can benefit from immunisation.

Lifestyle choices such as overseas travel, sexual activity or smoking increase your need for immunisations.

Some jobs expose you to a greater risk of contact with diseases, for example working in a hospital or daycare centre. These occupations increase your need for certain immunisations.

For recommended vaccines that are not government funded, see your GP.

Missed Your Scheduled Vaccine?

If some vaccinations have been missed, there may still be an opportunity to receive catch-up vaccinations covered by the NIP. These may include school vaccinations and immunisations for refugees.

See your GP as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss out.

Medically At Risk People

People with medical conditions placing them at risk of serious complications from these infectious diseases.

For information regarding medically at-risk adults, contact your GP.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People

Vaccinations will vary, especially if you are living in high risk areas. Check with your GP or contact your State or Territory Department for details.

Vaccine Side Effects

Side effects are typically mild, occurring soon after vaccination and usually lasting no more than a day or two. Generally no treatment is required.

See your GP if you are concerned about a reaction to the vaccine.

Birth

  • Hepatitis B (usually offered in hospital)

2 months (can be given from 6 weeks of age)

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Rotavirus
  • Pneumococcal
  • Meningococcal B (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children)

4 months

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Rotavirus
  • Pneumococcal
  • Meningococcal B (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children)

6 months

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), hepatitis B, polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Pneumococcal (Children with specified medical risk conditions)
  • Pneumococcal (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children)
  • Meningococcal B (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children with specified medical risk conditions)

6 months to <5 years (annually)

  • Influenza

12 months

  • Meningococcal ACWY
  • Measles, mumps, rubella
  • Pneumococcal
  • Meningococcal B (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children)

18 months

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
  • Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella (chickenpox)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Hepatitis A (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in WA, NT, SA, Qld)

4 years

  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio
  • Hepatitis A (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in WA, NT, SA, Qld)

≥5 years (annually)

  • Influenza (Children with specified medical risk conditions)
  • Influenza (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children)

Adolescent Vaccination

All Ages

  • Influenza (adolescents with specified medical risk conditions)
  • Influenza (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents)
  • Pneumococcal (adolescents with specified medical risk conditions)

12 – 13 years (Year 7 or age equivalent)

  • Human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough)

14 – 16 years (Year 10 or age equivalent)

  • Meningococcal ACWY

Adult Vaccination

All Ages

  • Influenza (adults with specified medical risk conditions)
  • Influenza (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults)
  • Pneumococcal (adults with specified medical risk conditions)
  • Shingles (herpes zoster) (adults with specified medical risk conditions)*

50 years and over

  • Pneumococcal (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults)
  • Shingles (herpes zoster) (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults)*

65 years and over

  • Influenza (annually) (non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults)
  • Shingles (herpes zoster) (non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults)*

70 years and over

  • Pneumococcal (non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults)

During Pregnancy

  • Pertussis (whooping cough)
  • Influenza
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Additional vaccination for people with medical risk conditions

All Ages

  • Meningococcal ACWY
  • Meningococcal B

≥6 months (annually)

  • Influenza

≥12 months

  • Pneumococcal

12 months to <18 years

  • Pneumococcal

≥5 years

  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

≥18 years

  • Shingles Pneumococcal