If you are looking for information on COVID-19 vaccines, please visit the COVID-19 vaccination page
Vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have higher rates of some vaccine preventable diseases (VPD) than non-Indigenous persons. For this reason, extra vaccines are available free through the National Immunisation Program or they are offered at different age points.
The recommendations and funding for additional vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples vary from state to state, based on local disease burden.
Extra vaccinations are in addition to the routine vaccinations offered throughout life (pregnancy, children, adolescents, adults and seniors).
Please speak to your doctor or vaccination provider about your vaccination needs.
Influenza vaccine
Yearly Influenza vaccination is recommended and free for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over.
Find more information: influenza (flu) vaccine
The following is a general guide to vaccinations provided free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Infants and children
In addition to routine childhood vaccinations Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander infants and children receive:
|
Age |
Disease |
|---|---|
|
2 months |
|
|
4 months |
|
|
6 months |
Meningococcal B - Additional dose for children with specified medical risk conditions Pneumococcal - Additional dose for children in WA, NT, SA, Qld and children with specified medical risk conditions |
|
12 months |
|
|
18 months |
Hepatitis A - Additional vaccine for children in WA, NT, SA, Qld |
|
4 years |
Pneumococcal - Additional dose for children in WA, NT, SA, Qld and children with specified medical risk conditions. Followed by a dose 5 years later. Hepatitis A - Additional vaccine for children in WA, NT, SA, Qld |
Find more information:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adolescents
In addition to the vaccines recommended on the adolescent schedule Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, adolescents are funded to receive the annual influenza vaccine.
Find more information:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults can receive influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines:
|
Age |
Disease |
|
All ages |
Influenza annually |
|
50 years and over |
Pneumococcal (3 doses in total) |
|
70-79 years |
Shingles
|
Find more information:
Immunisation for pregnancy
While you are pregnant, you can get the influenza and whooping cough (pertussis) vaccines free through the National Immunisation Program.
Find more information: Immunisation for pregnancy
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with medical risk conditions
People with certain medical risk conditions are at greater risk of getting some vaccine-preventable diseases. These people may need extra protection. Speak to your doctor about you and your family’s vaccine needs. They can advise if you or your children need more vaccinations.
Find more information: Vaccinations for people with medical risk conditions
Missed vaccinations
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who have missed a routine childhood vaccination can get it free up until they turn 20 years old (25 years of age for the HPV vaccine). Check the National Immunisation Program schedule and talk to your doctor if your child or adolescent has not had all the recommended vaccinations.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who missed a routine meningococcal B vaccine can get a catch-up vaccination for free up to the age of 2 years.
Booster vaccines
You may need to get a booster dose of some vaccines to maintain full immunity.
Find more information: Immunisation for adults
Getting vaccinated
Find out more about getting vaccinated, including:
- where you can get vaccinated
- if you need to pay
- who can be vaccinated
- what to expect at your vaccination visit
- side effects.