Anyone aged 5 years and over can receive a COVID-19 vaccination.
Vaccination is also recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 years in at risk population groups. If you’re unsure if your child is at risk, speak to your healthcare professional.
The ATAGI recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses outline which vaccines and doses are recommended for each age and population group.
Each state and territory health department website also has more information on getting vaccinated locally.
Vaccine doses and booster doses
To receive the best protection against serious illness, you should be vaccinated against COVID-19.
Adults in the following groups are recommended a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine booster dose if their last COVID-19 vaccine dose or confirmed infection was 6 months or longer:
- all adults aged 65 years and older
- adults aged 18-64 years who have complex medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs.
Adults aged 18-64 years old without risk factors for severe COVID-19 and children and adolescents aged 5-17 years who have medical comorbidities that increase their risk of severe COVID-19, or disability with significant or complex health needs should consider a 2023 COVID-19 vaccine dose.
A 2023 booster dose is not recommended for children and adolescents aged 17 years and younger who do not have any risk factors for severe COVID-19.
ATAGI recommends an additional 2023 dose if you are an adult aged 75 years or older and it has been 6 months or more since your 2023 COVID-19 booster dose or last confirmed infection.
You can consider an additional 2023 COVID-19 booster dose, after discussion with your health care provider, if it has been 6 months or more since your 2023 COVID-19 booster dose or confirmed infection if you are:
- 65-74 years old
- 18-64 years old with severe immunocompromise.
If you are unsure if you have had a COVID-19 infection in the last 6 months, it is safe to proceed with vaccination.
Read more about ATAGI’s 2023 booster and additional booster recommendations.
Australians overseas
Australia's COVID-19 vaccines are only available for people currently in Australia.
If you are overseas, see a local health professional for advice on which vaccines are available locally. You can also contact the Australian embassy in your country.