COVID-19 vaccines transition to the National Immunisation Program
Home / News & Opportunities / Latest news / Current post
October 1, 2026
From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines will be funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), replacing the National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP) that was established during Australia’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- States and territories will manage ordering, distribution, reporting and program support for COVID-19 vaccines under the NIP, in line with routine processes of other NIP vaccines.
- Funded vaccines will be available for eligible high-risk groups.
Free COVID-19 vaccines will be available under the NIP for:
- all adults aged 75 years and over (one dose approximately every 6 months)
- adults aged 65–74 years (one dose every 12 months)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years (one dose every 12 months)
- all adults aged 18 years and over with severe immuno-compromise (one dose every 12 months).
People who are not eligible for a funded COVID-19 vaccine may choose to purchase the vaccine privately based on a benefit-risk discussion with their healthcare provider.
Healthcare professionals are encouraged to read the updates in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing's COVID-19 Program NIP transition–advice for health professionals factsheet.
Latest news
Do you know a First Nations carer supporting a loved one experiencing challenges related to alcohol and other drugs, or mental health? Delivered by Windana and funded by SEMPHN, the First Peoples’ Carers Program is a free group program that offers an opportunity to connect with others in a safe, culturally supportive environment.
New statewide referral criteria for 7 children’s medicine conditions come into effect from 1 December 2026 in all Victorian public hospitals.
From 28 October 2026, rubella and congenital rubella will change from being ‘routine’ to ‘urgent’ notifiable conditions in Victoria under the Public Health and Wellbeing Regulations 2019.
