COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations for 2024

Stay protected against COVID-19 with current vaccination advice. Learn where you can find a vaccine provider and get the latest advice on vaccination.

Your primary course of vaccination

Your primary course of vaccination is the first time you receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

Most people now only need 1 first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine as their primary course. You may need 2 doses if you are at high risk of severe illness. 

Talk to your usual healthcare provider to decide how many primary course doses you need. Most Australians have already received their primary course of vaccination.

Primary course recommendations

 6 months to 5 years5 years to 18 years18 years and older
Without risk factorsNot eligibleNot eligibleRecommended a single primary dose
With risk factors*Eligible for 2 primary doses and eligible for a third primary doseEligible for a single primary doseRecommended a single primary dose
With severe immunocompromise Recommended 2 primary doses and eligible for a third doseRecommended 2 primary doses and eligible for a third doseRecommended 2 primary doses and eligible for a third dose

Advice about regular COVID-19 booster vaccinations

Regular COVID-19 vaccinations (also known as boosters) are the best way to maintain your protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19. 

They are especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and people at higher risk of severe COVID-19.

As with all vaccinations, people are encouraged to discuss the vaccine options available to them with their health practitioner. You can also use the booster eligibility tool to determine whether you are eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination.

Booster dose recommendations

 Less than 5 years5 to 17 years18 to 64 years65 to 74 years75 years and older
Without severe immunocompromiseNot recommendedNot recommendedEligible for a dose every 12 monthsRecommended every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 monthsRecommended every 6 months
With severe immunocompromiseNot recommendedEligible for a dose every 12 monthsRecommended every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 monthsRecommended every 12 months and eligible for a dose every 6 monthsRecommended every 6 months

Find a vaccine service

The healthdirect Service Finder can help you find a vaccine provider near you. It also identifies clinics that cater to special requirements like ramp access and quiet spaces. 

All COVID-19 vaccinations are free to all people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card. 

It is safe and efficient to receive your COVID-19 vaccine alongside your flu vaccine or other routine vaccinations, including those for children over 5 years old and teens.

Possible side effects

The most frequently reported side effects include injection-site reactions, such a sore arm. Other reported side effects include:

  • headache
  • muscle pain
  • fever and chills
  • fatigue.

These side effects typically last no more than a couple of days, and you will recover without any problems. Visit healthdirect for more information about side effects.

If you’ve had COVID-19

Regular COVID-19 vaccination is recommended even in individuals who have had a past infection.

There are no safety concerns for individuals receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who may have had a recent COVID-19 infection.

Immunisation history

You can obtain proof of your vaccination by accessing your immunisation history statement.

Visit Services Australia for information on how to get immunisation history statements.

More information

If you have any questions about vaccines, talk to your regular healthcare provider. 

We encourage you to rely on credible information to make informed choices about the vaccine you receive. 

Like your other vaccinations, we encourage you to discuss COVID-19 vaccine options available to you with your healthcare provider. They can help you decide how frequently you have your regular dose with an individual risk–benefit assessment.

Date last updated:

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