Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccines are provided by the Australian Government and are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination explained
COVID-19 vaccines are treatments that stimulate the body’s immune response to COVID-19, training your immune system to recognise and clear out COVID-19 before it makes you seriously ill.
COVID-19 vaccination is when a person receives a COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Find more information about COVID-19 vaccines, with answers to frequently asked questions from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). NCIRS is the leading research organisation in Australia on vaccine preventable diseases and immunisation.
What it means to have an up-to-date vaccination status
A person is ‘up to date’ with COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all the vaccine doses recommended for their age and individual health needs.
Find detailed advice about who can get vaccinated.
You are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccinations if you have not had all the COVID-19 vaccine doses (primary course and booster doses) recommended for you.
You may be eligible to get an additional COVID-19 vaccination. For more information visit COVID-19 booster vaccination or talk to your doctor or vaccination provider about your individual circumstances and your vaccination options.
If you need it, you can get proof of your up to date vaccination status.
About the COVID-19 vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use in Australia include:
Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) is no longer available as an approved COVID-19 vaccine. If you previously received a primary course and/or booster dose of AstraZeneca, visit the Australian Government website for information.
You will receive a vaccine that is recommended for your age and health needs. You should speak to your doctor to understand the risks and benefits of vaccination.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends completing your primary vaccination course with the same vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or AstraZeneca). There are some special circumstances where a mixed primary vaccination course may be recommended. Find more information on mixed (heterologous) primary vaccination schedules.
Booster vaccine doses can be different types to your primary vaccination course. Find more detailed information on booster dose recommendations.
The Australian Government has more detailed information about COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Australia and clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
Advice for recovering COVID-19 cases
If you have COVID-19 or had a recent COVID-19 infection, you should follow the recommendations about testing positive and managing COVID-19 safely at home.
It is recommended that everyone who has had a recent confirmed COVID-19 infection wait 6 months after their infection to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. The Australian Government provides further detail about vaccination after a COVID-19 infection.
Questions and further information
If you are concerned about vaccination and the potential effect on existing conditions, speak to your GP or doctor to discuss your medical history and individual circumstances.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). NCIRS is the leading research organisation in Australia on vaccine preventable diseases and immunisation.
If you need further information about COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccines:
- visit the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccines information
- call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- access COVID-19 Easy Read resources