COVID-19 vaccines transition to the National Immunisation Program
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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.
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