Knowledge topic
Adult vaccinations in Australia: NIP free vaccines, flu, COVID and AIR records
Free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP)
The National Immunisation Program (NIP) provides certain vaccines at no cost to eligible adults. Eligibility is generally based on age, health status, occupation or other risk factors.
| Vaccine | Free for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza (flu) | Age 65+, pregnant women, people with chronic conditions, First Nations people | Annual vaccination |
| COVID-19 | Age 65+, people with medical risk conditions, healthcare workers | Follow current recommendations |
| Pneumococcal | Age 70+ (and some people aged 50+ with risk conditions) | Protects against pneumococcal disease |
| Shingles (Herpes Zoster) | Age 70–79 | Zostavax or Shingrix |
| Pertussis (whooping cough) | Pregnant women (each pregnancy); close contacts of newborns | |
| Hepatitis B | Unvaccinated adults; certain occupational risk groups |
Full NIP schedule at health.gov.au/immunisation.
Vaccines you pay for (not free through NIP)
Many important vaccines are not free for most working-age adults:
- Flu: If you are under 65 and have no qualifying condition, influenza vaccination costs ~$20–$30 at a pharmacy or GP.
- Shingles under 70: Not covered by NIP for the general population under 70.
- Hepatitis A and B: If your childhood immunisation records are unavailable — particularly relevant for migrants from countries with different immunisation schedules.
- Varicella (chickenpox): If you have no history of the disease or prior vaccination — important for adults without immunity.
- Travel vaccines: Japanese encephalitis, typhoid and others if travelling to certain regions.
Checking your immunisation history through AIR
The Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) records all vaccines administered in Australia to you or your children.
To view your AIR history:
- Sign in to myGov → Medicare → Immunisation History Statement.
- Request a printed statement from a Medicare Service Centre.
- Ask your GP to print your AIR record at your next appointment.
AIR records include COVID vaccines, NIP vaccines and childhood immunisations if you registered your children.
Where to get vaccinated
- GP: can administer most vaccines; a consultation fee applies unless bulk billing.
- Pharmacy: many pharmacies offer flu and COVID vaccines without an appointment — convenient and often no consultation fee for walk-in vaccination.
- Community health centres: typically administer NIP vaccines at no cost — call ahead to confirm availability.
If you do not know your vaccination history
This is very common among migrants whose childhood immunisation records are unavailable or were not brought to Australia. Options:
- Serology testing: a blood test can check immunity for specific diseases (hepatitis B, varicella, measles, rubella). Your GP can order this.
- Re-vaccinate: it is generally safe to re-administer vaccines even if you already have immunity — discuss with your GP.