What is changing
From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines will be funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
The NIP will replace the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP), established during Australia’s COVID-19 pandemic response.
Eligibility for free COVID-19 vaccines under the NIP
From 1 October 2026, free COVID-19 vaccines will only be available for people at highest risk of severe disease:
- all adults aged 75 years and over (two doses per year, approximately six months apart)
- adults aged 65–74 years (one dose per year)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years (one dose per year)
- adults aged 18–64 years with severe immunocompromise (one dose per year).
People who are not eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine may choose to purchase the vaccine privately based on discussions with their healthcare provider.
Changes for immunisation providers
From 1 October 2026, states and territories will manage COVID-19 vaccines in line with routine processes used for other NIP vaccines. This includes:
- ordering
- distribution
- reporting
- program support.
Until 1 October 2026, providers should continue to recommend and administer COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Why the change is happening
The NCVP was established under emergency arrangements to provide broad and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines during Australia’s response to the pandemic. At the time, most people had little or no immunity against the disease.
COVID-19 is now endemic (common) in Australia. It continues to affect some groups more than others. The vaccination program will focus on maintaining protection against severe COVID-19 in people most at risk.
More information
Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination are being finalised. The COVID-19 chapter of the Australian Immunisation Handbook will be updated for the program change on
1 October 2026.