What is COVID-19
COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It spreads from person to person through tiny droplets and particles released when an infected person talks, coughs, sneezes or breathes.
COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most people recover within a few days or weeks, but some people are more likely to become very sick.
What is the COVID-19 vaccine
A COVID-19 vaccine is an injection that helps protect people from COVID-19. The ingredients teach the immune system to recognise and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, without causing the disease itself.
COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective at reducing the risk of serious illness from COVID-19. Staying up to date with your vaccinations gives you the best protection.
You can find product information and consumer medicine information for COVID-19 vaccines on the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) website.
Who can get the COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine is free under the NIP for:
- all adults aged 75 years and over (2 free doses a year, given around 6 months apart)
- adults aged 65–74 years (one free dose a year)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years (one free dose a year)
- adults aged 18–64 years who have severe immunocompromise (one free dose a year) – see the Specified medical risk conditions.
You must also have a Medicare card or be eligible for one.
If you are not eligible for the free vaccine through the NIP
Talk to your health professional about whether vaccination is recommended for you. Most vaccines are available for private purchase with a prescription.
If you buy the vaccine yourself, you will need to pay for it. The cost is not covered or reimbursed through the NIP.
Some vaccines not funded by the NIP may be funded by your state or territory. Check the immunisation schedule for your state or territory to find out more.
How the COVID-19 vaccine is given
The vaccine is injected into a muscle (intramuscularly), usually in the upper arm.
Costs
Some providers charge a consultation fee to give vaccines, including free ones. Check with the provider before you make an appointment.
Side effects
Most side effects of COVID-19 vaccines are mild and last no more than a couple of days. Serious side effects are very rare.
Common side effects include:
- sore arm at the injection site
- headache
- muscle pain
- fever and chills
- fatigue.
Find out how to manage common vaccine side effects. If you’re worried, talk to a health professional.
Safety data
See COVID-19 safety data from AusVaxSafety.
Checking immunisation history
You can get proof of your vaccination. Visit the Check immunisation history page to find out how.
Information for health professionals
If you are a health professional, visit our Immunisation information for health professionals page for more information and resources.
You can also read the Australian Immunisation Handbook COVID-19 page. It includes:
- detailed recommendations (including recommendations for groups not covered under the NIP)
- guidance on vaccination of people with specific medical conditions
- information and contraindications and precautions.
Next steps
Talk to a health professional to confirm if the COVID-19 vaccine is free or recommended for you.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
Read our:
- COVID-19 vaccine consumer fact sheet
- Adult vaccinations brochure
- Program advice for health professionals
- ATAGI statement on the transition of COVID-19 vaccines to the NIP
- Information kit for health professionals
COVID-19 vaccine – Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance.
National Immunisation Information Line
