Vaccination is important for older people
COVID-19 vaccination is voluntary but strongly encouraged for older people.
Vaccination remains the most effective protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.
If you have not received a COVID-19 vaccination it is important to get vaccinated as quickly and safely as possible.
COVID-19 vaccination recommendations
Older Australians are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated against COVID-19. It remains the most effective protection against severe illness, hospitalisation and death from COVID-19.
Staff and care recipients don’t have to wait 6 months since their last COVID-19 infection to get a vaccination.
All adults should consider COVID-19 vaccination depending on their age and health status.
- All adults 75 years and older are recommended a COVID-19 vaccination every 6 months
- All adults aged 65 to 74 years are recommended a COVID-19 vaccination every 12 months, and are eligible for a dose every 6 months, following discussion with a healthcare provider.
- All adults aged 18 to 64 years with severe immunocompromise are recommended a COVID-19 vaccination every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on their individual health needs
- All other adults aged 18 to 64 years can consider a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months.
All COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit to eligible people. However, the monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred over other vaccines for eligible people.
In-home and community aged care recipients and workers can get vaccinated at a GP clinic, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Service or participating pharmacy. You can book an appointment for any COVID-19 vaccination through the healthdirect Service Finder.
We encourage people with mobility challenges to contact their GP or pharmacist to discuss options for a home visit to receive a vaccination.
Informed decision-making
It is normal to have questions about COVID-19 vaccines and to possibly feel hesitant about getting the vaccine.
We continue to follow expert medical advice. Your safety is the number one priority.
You may choose to talk to a health professional about the benefits and risks of vaccination. This will help you decide if vaccination is suitable for you.
Learn more about:
- current vaccination recommendations
- consent
- facts about COVID-19 vaccines
- side effects (at healthdirect).
How providers can support care recipients and workers to get vaccinated
In-home and community aged care service providers have an important role in supporting their clients and workforce in getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
Providers can help their care recipients and workforce to understand how they can access COVID-19 vaccinations by:
- sharing the latest vaccine advice
- providing information through established communication channels, including through check-in calls or regular services
- advising recipients of the importance of having a family member or other person aware of when they are receiving a vaccination so they can be monitored post-vaccination
- guiding staff and volunteers to encourage a care recipient to see a GP if they observe any noticeable changes in their wellbeing
- printing and displaying posters in staff areas to promote the importance of being vaccinated against COVID-19.
Reporting workforce vaccinations
Although COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer mandatory, in-home and community care workers can voluntarily inform aged care providers of their vaccination status. Aged care providers are required to keep records, as outlined in the Records Principles 2014, on the COVID-19 vaccination status of their workforce, including additional doses.
Read more about mandatory COVID-19 vaccination reporting.