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COVID-19 vaccine now part of the NIP

From Thursday 1st October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines have transitioned to the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

This change replaces the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program funding that was established during Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic response.

What does this mean for me?

The vaccination program is becoming more targeted, with free COVID-19 vaccines being made available for people at the highest risk severe disease.

Free NIP-funded doses of COVID-19 vaccines are available for:

  • Adults aged 65 years and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years,
  • Adults aged 18–64 years with a severely compromised immune system (check with your pharmacist immuniser for advice about which conditions are included).
It’s important to note – eligibility for a free vaccination is changing, not the importance of vaccination.

COVID-19 is still with us. For many people it can cause milder illness, but it can still lead to severe disease, hospitalisation and serious complications, particularly for older adults, older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults and people with compromised immune systems.

Timing of COVID-19 vaccination under NIP funding
  • Adults aged 75 years and over are recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccine every 6 months.
  • For all other eligible groups, a COVID-19 vaccine is recommended every 12 months.
I’m not eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccination anymore, what should I do?

If you are not eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine through the NIP, getting vaccinated against COVID-19 may still be helpful depending on your age and underlying health conditions.

We recommend speaking to a health professional about your individual circumstances.

You can purchase a COVID-19 vaccine privately from Community Care Chemist (just like your flu shot).

Do I still need a COVID-19 vaccination?

COVID-19 is still circulating, and your risk depends on your age, health conditions and immune function.

Older adults, including older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions are at higher risk of becoming very sick and may need hospital care.

For people at higher risk, regular vaccination is still the best way to reduce the chance of severe illness, hospitalisation or death.

Can I have my COVID-19 vaccination with my flu vaccine or other vaccines?

Yes, COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other recommended vaccines, including the flu, pneumococcal, RSV or shingles vaccine.

Please discuss any concerns about vaccination timings with your Community Care Chemist pharmacist immuniser.

Why has free access changed?

During the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccines were made widely available as part of the emergency response to help protect people against a newly emerging disease.

Since then, many people in Australia have received COVID-19 vaccinations or have experienced COVID-19 infection. This has helped build a level of widespread protection across the community.

The virus that causes COVID-19 has also changed over time, with new strains affecting how it impacts people.

Now the program is moving into routine arrangements under the NIP, free vaccines will be targeted to the people most at risk of serious illness, much like the seasonal flu shot.

Information in this article sourced from Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

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