The vaccines currently available for use in Australia include:
- Pfizer (Comirnaty) is a preferred vaccine for people aged 5 years and older. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has detailed information on the Pfizer vaccine.
- Moderna (Spikevax) is a preferred vaccine for people aged 6 years and older. A paediatric formulation of Moderna (Spikevax) is used for children aged 6 months to under five years at risk of severe COVID-19. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has detailed information on the Moderna vaccine.
- Novavax (Nuvaxovid) is a protein based vaccine and can be used in adults aged 18 years and older. The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has detailed information on the Novavax vaccine.
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) can be used in adults aged 60 years and over or for those 18–59 years where the Pfizer vaccine is not available, and the benefits clearly outweigh the risk for that individual. You should speak to your GP (doctor) to understand the risks and benefits. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has issued detailed information on the AstraZeneca vaccine.
You will receive a vaccine that is recommended for your age and other eligibility and clinical criteria.
You need the same vaccine given to you at your primary course appointments to complete the vaccination. Booster vaccinations can be a different type of vaccine.
- Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine doses are recommended to be given 8 weeks apart.
- Moderna (Spikevax) COVID-19 vaccine doses are recommended to be given 8 weeks apart.
- AstraZeneca (Vaxzevria) COVID-19 vaccine doses are recommended to be given 4 to 8 weeks apart.
Find out more about vaccine doses.
Advice on COVID-19 vaccines from the Australian Government
The type of COVID-19 vaccine you will be offered will mainly depend on your
- age
- risk of exposure and serious illness from COVID-19
- whether you have any contraindications to a COVID-19 vaccine.
Contraindications are conditions which mean a person should not receive a particular medication because it may be harmful.
Advice about contraindications is provided by ATAGI and the TGA.
Medical conditions and vaccines
Ask your GP or specialist to discuss your medical history and individual circumstances if you are concerned about vaccination and the effect on existing conditions.
Questions about the COVID-19 vaccines
If you have a question or need information about COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccines:
Read frequently asked questions (FAQs) about COVID-19 vaccines.
Approved COVID-19 vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia are safe and effective. Before vaccines are made available, they must be approved for use in Australia. There are strict requirements for testing and approving vaccines. This includes the TGA’s thorough assessment and approval processes for safety, quality and effectiveness.
Before a vaccine is approved, it is tested. Testing begins with laboratory research, then animal studies and finally human clinical trials.
Clinical trials must provide scientific evidence which demonstrates that the benefits of a vaccine greatly outweigh any risks.
Learn more about vaccines available in Australia.
Ongoing monitoring of vaccines
The TGA will continue to play an active role in the ongoing monitoring of any vaccines available in Australia, and has robust procedures in place to rapidly detect, investigate and respond to any emerging safety issues identified for COVID-19 vaccines.