The Australian Government is providing COVID-19 vaccines to everyone living in Australia. Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination and how vaccines are tested and approved.
From 10 February 2022, a person is ‘up to date’ with COVID-19 vaccination if they have completed all the doses recommended for their age and individual health needs.
There are still situations in NSW that use ‘fully vaccinated’ status (e.g. international arrivals to NSW, rules and restrictions for people in NSW). The NSW Government is reviewing these settings and will provide updated advice when available.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has provided new advice about COVID-19 vaccination status.
From 10 February 2022, a person is ‘up to date’ with COVID-19 vaccination if they have completed all the doses recommended for their age and individual health needs.
There are still situations in NSW that use ‘fully vaccinated’ status (e.g. international arrivals, rules and restrictions for people in NSW). The NSW Government is reviewing these settings and will provide updated advice when available.
You are up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination if you have had:
and
Check what you need as vaccination evidence.
You are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccination if you have had:
You are up to date with your vaccination if you have had:
A booster dose is not currently recommended for this age group.
Children under 16 years of age who are not up to date with their vaccination status can generally follow the rules for up-to-date people so long as they visit certain businesses with a member of their household who is considered up to date.
From 5 September, COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 who are severely immunocompromised, have a disability, or have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
Children will receive 2 doses of the same vaccine, given 8 weeks apart. Children who are severely immunocompromised will receive 3 doses.
Vaccination is not currently recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 years who are not in the above risk categories for severe COVID-19.
You will not be considered ‘up to date’ and will instead be considered ‘overdue’ if you have not had a booster dose in the recommended timeframe for your age or health status.
You will not be able to generate a current COVID-19 vaccine digital certificate if you are ‘overdue’.
You can get a booster dose if you are aged 16 years and older and it has been 3 months since your second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.
Boosters can strengthen your protection up to 95% against serious illness from COVID-19.
If you have had COVID-19 since your last COVID-19 vaccine dose, you are recommended to wait three months after infection, then get your next recommended dose as soon as possible.
The Pfizer and Moderna mRNA vaccines are recommended as boosters in Australia.
The AstraZeneca vaccine can be used when an mRNA vaccine is medically contraindicated or a person declines vaccination with an mRNA vaccine.
The Novavax vaccines can be used if no other COVID-19 vaccine is considered suitable for that person.
COVID-19 booster vaccines are not mandatory. They are highly recommended to continue to protect you, your loved ones and your community against COVID-19.
The vaccines currently available for use in Australia include:
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.
Find out more about vaccine doses.
The type of COVID-19 vaccine you will be offered will mainly depend on your
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
To best protect the community and reduce the spread of the virus, some groups of people can get priority vaccination appointments. The groups are based on:
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 5 and over are eligible to get a priority vaccine through the Vaccine Clinic Finder.
Everyone aged 5 years and older can now find a vaccination through the Vaccine Clinic Finder.
From 5 September, vaccination is also recommended for children aged 6 months to under 5 who are severely immunocompromised, have a disability, or have complex and/or multiple health conditions which increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
Parents of children in this category should consult with their healthcare professional, and, if eligible, book a vaccination.
Health services will make every effort to help you to receive your COVID-19 vaccination. It's important to be respectful and work with your GP to find out which vaccine is right for you.
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
To find an appointment, use the Vaccine Clinic Finder.
If you have fully recovered from COVID-19 and have not already been vaccinated, you can now receive your COVID-19 vaccination.
ATAGI recommends waiting 3 months since a confirmed COVID-19 infection before receiving your next recommended dose as soon as possible.
If the vaccination is deferred, medical practitioners can authorise a temporary exemption from vaccination by completing a NSW COVID-19 vaccine medical contraindication form.
