About winter vaccinations
If you’re 50 years and over, you're more likely to get very sick and need to go to hospital from the flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
You can help protect yourself and your community by getting vaccinated to stay healthy this winter.
Talk to your doctor or health worker about getting your winter flu, COVID-19 and RSV jabs today.
Get ready for winter – First Nations fact sheet
About influenza (flu)
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a very serious illness caused by a virus.
The flu can cause infection in the nose, throat and lungs and can spread easily from person to person.
For some people the flu will be mild. However, for other people the flu can make you very sick, and it can be really dangerous for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
The flu vaccine is free under the National Immunisation Program for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the age of 6 months.
Getting the free flu vaccine protects you, your family, elders and community from getting really sick with influenza.
About COVID-19
COVID-19 can be dangerous, especially for elders and people with medical problems.
Regular COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to protect yourself from getting sick and keep you out of hospital.
Vaccines are free for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from the age of 6 months. For older First Nations people, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended:
- every 6 months for people 75 years and over
- every 12 months for people 65 to 74 years.
About RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSV, is a common virus that spreads easily and infects the airways and lungs.
The virus spreads when a sick person coughs or sneezes and tiny droplets land on surfaces or are breathed in by others. It can make you and little ones really sick.
The RSV vaccine is a safe way to protect yourself and your community from severe RSV.
Currently, only one dose of the vaccine is recommended.
The RSV vaccine is free, from 15 May 2026, under the National Immunisation Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 60 years and over.
Find the right time to vaccinate
It is never too late to vaccinate but vaccination is recommended before the cooler months when viruses are going around.
You should get your free winter flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations before the season from April to September.
This protects you for the peak season which is usually between June and September.
You are protected the most in the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination.
You can safely get your flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines at the same appointment or separately with other recommended vaccinations. Speak with your doctor about your eligibility for other recommended free NIP vaccines.
Where to get vaccinated
Use this interactive Map of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and medical services to find a service near you.
The healthdirect service finder can also help you find a vaccine provider near you. This also shows clinics with features like ramp access and quiet spaces.
Have a yarn to your doctor or health worker for more information.