Keeping your immunisations up to date helps you stay healthy during winter.
Influenza (flu) and COVID‑19 viruses change over time, and older people have a higher risk of getting very sick. RSV also causes serious respiratory illness in older people.
Getting vaccinated against these viruses can help protect you and reduce your risk of serious illness and ending up in hospital.
65 years and over
If you’re 65 or over, you’re at greater risk from winter viruses. Stay up to date with your vaccinations to be protected this winter.
75 years and over
If you’re 75 or over, you’re at high risk of severe illness from winter viruses. Stay up to date with your vaccinations to be protected this winter.
First Nations
If you’re 50 years and over, keep you and your community healthy. Get protected with winter flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations.
Influenza (flu) vaccine
Influenza viruses and vaccines change every year, which is why we recommend annual vaccination.
If you’re 65 years and over, get your annual flu vaccine from April. This helps protect you during the peak flu season from June to September.
Your flu vaccine works best in the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination.
Speak to your healthcare professional and book your vaccination today.
COVID-19 vaccine
Regular COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to protect you from serious illness, hospitalisation and even death.
Your primary course is the first time you receive a COVID-19 vaccine. After this we recommend:
- Adults aged 65 to 74 – a dose every 12 months.
- Adults aged 75 and over – a dose every 6 months.
Speak to your healthcare professional and book your vaccination today.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
RSV can cause serious respiratory illness in older people.
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect against this virus.
If you are 75 years or over, you can get a free RSV vaccine from 15 May 2026 to protect you in the cooler months, when most RSV cases occur.
Speak to your healthcare professional and book your vaccinations today.
Eligibility for free vaccines
All vaccines listed on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule are free but your health professional may charge a fee.
To get vaccines under the NIP, you need to have a Medicare card. Information on how to get a Medicare card is available from Services Australia.
State and territory governments also fund some vaccines. Speak to your healthcare professional or contact the health department in your state or territory
Flu vaccinations
Free for people aged 65 and over through the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
COVID-19 vaccines
Free for people of all ages. You do not need a Medicare card.
RSV vaccines
From 15 May 2026, free under the National Immunisation Program for people aged 75 years and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 60 years and over.
Information for vaccination providers
Older Australians and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can get vaccinated at many safe and convenient places across the country.
You can visit your GP, local pharmacy, an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service or a community clinic.
Vaccines are safe
All vaccines available in Australia are tested thoroughly to make sure they are safe and work well.
Vaccines are also independently checked before they are put on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule.
Video
Preparation is just part of life for me. And learning lines isn't all I do. To prepare for viruses like COVID and influenza, I get vaccinated regularly.
Viruses are always changing and that's why vaccination really matters to protect yourself against serious disease and hospitalisation.
And the risks go up when you turn 65.
Vaccination is the best preparation.
Speak to your health professional and book your vaccinations today.
Visit health.gov.au/winter-vaccinations
Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra.
Winter vaccination advertisement – 30 seconds
This advertisement explains that vaccination is the best preparation. Keeping your immunisations up to date helps you stay healthy during winter.