From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccination arrangements in Australia are changing, with COVID-19 vaccination moving from the National COVID-19 Vaccination Program to the National Immunisation Program (NIP). This means COVID-19 vaccines will no longer be funded for all Australians, and eligibility for funded vaccination will be limited to specific groups.
This practical, quick-reference resource provides GPs and other health professionals with an overview of the updated COVID-19 booster recommendations, funding arrangements and considerations for discussing vaccination with patients.
The resource outlines which patients are eligible for funded COVID-19 vaccination under the NIP, including adults aged 65 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years, and adults aged 18 years and over with severe immunocompromise. It also explains the recommended frequency of vaccination for each group and provides further detail on what constitutes severe immunocompromise.
Importantly, the resource explores the Australian Immunisation Handbook’s recommendations and ‘can consider’ advice. While annual COVID-19 vaccination is not routinely recommended for people with chronic respiratory diseases such as COPD, vaccination can still be considered following a discussion between the patient and their healthcare professional. Patients who are not eligible for NIP-funded vaccination may choose to receive a COVID-19 booster privately.
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