Immunisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

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 health professional 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

Shingles vaccine

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and over can receive a free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program.

Immunocompromised people (people with weak immune systems) 18 years and over with the following medical conditions can also get a free shingles vaccination: 

• haematopoietic stem cell transplant
• solid organ transplant
• haematological malignancy (blood cancer)
• advanced or untreated HIV.

Talk to your health professional about your eligibility for a free shingles vaccine today.

Find more information on shingles vaccination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Other vaccines

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:

Find more information:

• National Immunisation Program schedule
• Vaccines
• Protect your baby against meningococcal B brochure

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:

• Adolescent routine vaccinations
• Influenza (flu) vaccine

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults can receive influenza, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines:

Find more information:

• National Immunisation Program schedule
• Adult vaccinations fact sheet
• Adult vaccinations brochure
• Vaccines

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 specific medical risk conditions are at greater risk of getting some vaccine-preventable diseases. These people may need extra protection. Speak to your health professional about your 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 old for the HPV vaccine). Check the National Immunisation Program schedule and talk to your health professional 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.