Vaccination providers

Information for vaccination providers

Vaccination providers play a vital role in protecting older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities from serious respiratory illness. 

This page outlines eligible groups and provider responsibilities for vaccines administered under: 

• the National Immunisation Program (NIP), and 
• the National COVID‑19 Vaccine Program. 

Providers should follow state or territory requirements for vaccines supplied outside these programs. 

Eligible groups

Under national programs, providers may administer recommended vaccines to people who meet the following age or risk criteria: 

• Influenza (Flu)
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 6 months and over 
  • Children aged 6 months to under 5 years 
  • Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy 
  • People aged 65 years or over 
  • People aged 6 months or over who have medical conditions that mean they have a higher risk of getting serious disease:
    • cardiac disease 
    • chronic respiratory conditions 
    • immunocompromising conditions 
    • haematological disorders 
    • chronic metabolic disorder 
    • chronic kidney disease 
    • chronic neurological condition 
    • long term aspirin therapy in children aged 5 to 10 years. 
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • people aged 75 years and over  
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over 
  • pregnant women (single dose recommended between 28-36 weeks of pregnancy, but may be given after 36 weeks based on clinical advice). 
• COVID-19
  • people aged 75 years and over (one dose recommended every 6 months) 
  • people aged 65 to 74 years (one dose recommended every 12 months) 
  • people aged 18 to 64 years with severe immunocompromise (one dose recommended every 12 months). 

Recommendations for primary course vaccination against COVID-19 is available at COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations.  

Providers should review current program guidelines and eligibility updates to ensure patients receive recommended vaccines.

Access to free National Immunisation Program vaccines requires a person to hold, or be eligible to hold, a Medicare card. 

Co‑administration of vaccines

• RSV, influenza and COVID‑19 vaccines may be administered at the same appointment or separately, depending on patient preference, clinical considerations, and program eligibility. 
• When vaccines are given at the same visit, they should be administered at different injection sites. 
• Providers should refer to the current Australian Immunisation Handbook (AIH) for specific clinical advice, including age based recommendations, contraindications, precautions, and spacing requirements.

For all coadministration requirements, including vaccine specific considerations, refer to the relevant guidance listed under each vaccine name in the AIH. 

Clinical decisions should consider a patient’s individual health needs, medical history and preferences. Providers should use clinical judgement when assessing suitability for vaccination and timing of doses. 

Provider responsibilities

Vaccination providers are responsible for ensuring safe, high‑quality vaccination practice. This includes: 

• checking a patient’s immunisation history through the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) 
• following guidance in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and relevant state or territory legislation    
• ensuring vaccines are stored, handled and administered correctly in line with national cold chain standards 
• obtaining informed consent before vaccination  
• recording all vaccinations in the AIR, ensuring records are accurate and submitted as soon as practicable after vaccination  
• correcting incomplete or historical vaccination records where required 
• providing clear, accessible information on recommended vaccines and possible side effects 
• keeping up to date with evolving vaccine recommendations and immunisation programs.

Charges and fees for vaccines

COVID-19 vaccinations

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.  

Charging a patient any costs associated with administering the COVID-19 vaccination, including booking fees, administration fees or other charges, is a breach of the program requirements. 

This applies to all COVID-19 vaccines provided under the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program.

Influenza and RSV vaccinations

Influenza vaccinations are available free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule for people aged 65 years and over (and other eligible groups).

RSV vaccinations will be available free under the NIP from 15 May 2026 for: 

• people aged 75 years and over 
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over. 

Charging arrangements for influenza and RSV vaccines differ from the COVID-19 program.  

While all vaccines listed on the NIP Schedule are free, vaccination providers may apply a consultation fee or service charge. 

Eligibility for free NIP vaccines is linked to eligibility for Medicare benefits.

Discussing vaccination with patients

When talking with patients about vaccination, providers should be prepared to have respectful, informed, and patient centred conversations. Effective discussions help build trust, support informed decision making, and improve vaccination uptake. 

Providers should be ready to: 

• Explain the benefits and risks of vaccination in plain language, including how vaccines work, the diseases they protect against, and the likelihood of side effects. 
• Discuss why ongoing or seasonal vaccination may be recommended, such as changes in circulating strains, waning immunity, or increased risk at certain life stages or health conditions. 
• Address questions and concerns about side effects, vaccine safety, and effectiveness, acknowledging patient worries and responding with evidence-based information. 
• Tailor conversations to the patient’s needs, values, and health circumstances, using an empathetic and non‑judgemental approach. 

The Sharing Knowledge About Immunisation (SKAI) website provides practical tools and discussion guides to support health professionals in having confident, respectful vaccination conversations, particularly with people who are hesitant or have concerns. 

Providers are encouraged to use these resources to strengthen their vaccination discussions and support informed patient choices. 

Useful links

Influenza 

• ATAGI Statement on the administration of seasonal influenza vaccines in 2026 – current recommendations for influenza vaccination, including eligibility, timing and co‑administration considerations 
• 2026 influenza vaccination – Program advice for health professionals – program updates, implementation guidance and operational advice 
• Influenza (flu) | The Australian Immunisation Handbook – clinical guidance on influenza vaccines, contraindications, precautions and administration.

RSV

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | The Australian Immunisation Handbook – recommendations, vaccine information, eligibility, dosage and administration guidance

COVID-19

• ATAGI statement on the administration of COVID-19 vaccines in 2025 – current COVID‑19 vaccination schedules, booster recommendations and clinical considerations  
• COVID-19 | The Australian Immunisation Handbook – clinical guidance, contraindications and administration advice  
• COVID-19 vaccines – information on available vaccines, product details and safety updates.

General

• The Australian Immunisation Handbook – authoritative clinical guidance on vaccine recommendations, contraindications, precautions and co‑administration advice 
• Co-administration of vaccines for adults – NCIRS practical guidance to support vaccine co‑administration in adult populations 
• Immunisation information for health professionals – program updates, resources and provider guidance from the Department of Health and Aged Care. 
• Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation – Resources for healthcare professionals – evidence‑based tools and discussion guides to support effective vaccination conversations with patients.