Key facts
- Vaccines recommended for your work are not usually funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
- Check if your employer offers free vaccines.
- Talk to a health professional about the recommended vaccines for your job.
When immunisation is recommended for work
Some workers have a higher risk of getting or spreading vaccine-preventable diseases.
They include:
- healthcare workers, trainees and students
- people who care for children
- carers of people with disabilities
- carers of older people
- laboratory workers
- people who work with or are in contact with animals
- people exposed to human tissue, blood, body fluids or sewage
- emergency and essential services workers.
If you work or volunteer in any of these jobs, check with your employer and talk to a health professional about recommended vaccines.
Getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of you catching vaccine-preventable diseases or spreading them to someone vulnerable.
Cost
Vaccines recommended for your work are not usually funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
Depending on your workplace, recommended vaccines may be paid for by you or your employer. Some state and territory health departments may fund certain vaccines for specific jobs.
There may be a cost for:
- the vaccine
- the vaccination appointment.
Providers of government-subsidised residential aged care services must offer staff and volunteers a free influenza vaccination each year.
You may be eligible for free vaccines under the NIP if you meet certain eligibility requirements, such as age, pregnancy, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander status, certain medical conditions, or needing missed vaccines.
Next steps
Check if your employer:
- requires you to get certain vaccines
- will cover some or all of the costs of immunisation.
Talk to a health professional about recommended vaccines for your job.
Find a health professional in your area or call your state or territory health department.
More information
- Read the Australian Immunisation Handbook Vaccination for people at occupational risk page (advice for health professionals)
- Read our COVID-19 vaccination for residential aged care workers page.
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