Select a category below to browse relevant vaccine information and FAQs
All adults
The immunisations recommended for adults can vary depending on where you work, if you're travelling overseas or if you have an underlying medical condition. Sometimes, immunisations are also recommended to help protect those around you, such as young children or an older relative.
The Australian National Immunisation Program (NIP) outlines a series of free immunisations given at specific times throughout your life. In addition to these vaccines, there are a number of other vaccines that are recommended by experts but need to be paid for out of pocket. Some vaccines are also provided for free through your State or Territory Health Department.
Click on the diseases below and speak to your doctor to learn more about the immunisation schedule and recommendations.
- Immunisation funded via the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
- Immunisations may be recommended by experts but is not funded
Diseases | All adults | Planning for a baby | Pregnancy | 65 and over | 70 to 79 years | Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander adults |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Chickenpox (varicella) | ||||||
Diphtheria | ||||||
Hepatitis B | ||||||
Measles | ||||||
Meningococcal ACWY disease | ||||||
Meningococcal B disease | ||||||
Mumps | ||||||
Pneumococcal disease+ | ||||||
Pneumococcal vaccine is recommended and funded for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at 50 years of age, with a second dose recommended five years later. All non-Indigenous people can receive a free vaccine at 65 years of age. Women planning pregnancy who have risk factors for pneumococcal disease, including smokers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, should be assessed for pneumococcal vaccination. | ||||||
Rubella | ||||||
Shingles (Herpes zoster)+ | ||||||
The herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine is funded for adults aged 70 years, with a short-term catch-up program for adults aged 71-79. It is also recommended (but not funded) for all adults over 60 years of age. | ||||||
Tetanus | ||||||
Whooping cough (pertussis) | ||||||
Annual flu+ | ||||||
The influenza vaccine is recommended annually for all adults, and is funded for pregnant women (during any stage of pregnancy), people aged 65 and over, people with certain medical conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. |
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Immunisations for refugees and new arrivals
For those new to Australia, there is a catch-up program to provide immunisation against some diseases, however it will depend on your circumstances. Please speak to your doctor to learn more.
Immunisations for those at increased risk
For people with certain medical conditions, occupations or behaviours, it’s recommended that you are immunised against some additional diseases, including (but not limited to) flu, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type B, human papillomavirus (HPV), meningococcal disease and pneumococcal disease. You may be eligible for free vaccination. Please speak to your doctor to learn more.
AUS/VAC/0109/18, AUS/VAC/0056/18 Date of Approval November 2018