Older age is one of the biggest risk factors for serious health issues from common infectious respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza.
Vaccination is the best way to reduce the risks of serious illness, hospitalisation or death from infectious respiratory diseases, for yourself and the people you care about.
COVID-19 vaccinations
COVID-19 vaccines are free, safe and an effective way to protect yourself, your family and others in the community from a respiratory illness.
People aged 75 years or older, are recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine every 6 months.
People aged between 65 to 74, and those aged 18 to 64 are recommended to get a COVID-19 dose every 12 months. Those with severe immunocompromise should consider a COVID-19 dose every 6 months after they have talked to their health care provider.
If you are unsure of whether you have had a COVID-19 infection in the last 6 months, it is safe to get another dose. You don't have to wait 6 months between your last COVID-19 infection and having a COVID-19 vaccination.
To find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic near you:
- Speak with your doctor or pharmacist
- Book an appointment on the health service finder.
Call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 if you need COVID-19 advice.
Residential aged care providers are responsible for making vaccinations, such as COVID-19 and influenza, accessible to their residents.
If you have a family member, friend or loved one living or working in an aged care home, please help them to get their COVID-19 and influenza vaccines.
COVID-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered at the same time.
See the department’s website for COVID-19 vaccination information.
Oral antiviral treatments
Oral antiviral treatments are safe and effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19. Treatment is available to people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 including people 70 years and older.
If you are aged 70 years or older, be prepared and have an early discussion with your GP or nurse practitioner about:
- whether an oral antiviral suits your health needs
- developing a COVID-19 plan if you test positive to COVID-19 including how to access antivirals quickly if you need them.
You must start the treatment as soon as possible or within 5 days of COVID-19 symptoms beginning.