21 September 2026
From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines will transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP), replacing the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program established during Australia’s pandemic response.
Under the NIP, funded COVID-19 vaccines will be available only to people at highest risk of severe disease, including:
- All adults aged 75 years and over (2 funded doses per year, approximately 6 months apart)
- Adults aged 65 to 74 years (1 funded dose per year)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 to 74 years (1 funded dose per year)
- Adults aged 18 to 64 years with severe immunocompromise (1 funded dose per year).
Patients who are not eligible for a funded COVID-19 vaccine through the NIP may choose to purchase the vaccine privately following an individual benefit-risk discussion with their health professional.
To support the transition, the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has updated its COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has released several resources for immunisation providers:
- ATAGI statement on transition of COVID-19 vaccines to the NIP – updated recommendations, funded eligibility and advice for risk groups.
- COVID-19 NIP transition: Program advice for health professionals – eligibility, vaccine access, funding arrangements and key program changes.
- COVID-19 vaccine NIP transition: Consumer fact sheet – a plain-language resource explaining eligibility and what the changes mean for patients.
- COVID-19 vaccine NIP transition: Information kit for health professionals – key messages, communication materials and resources to support patient discussions.
Until 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines remain available under current National COVID-19 Vaccine Program arrangements and providers should continue offering vaccination in line with existing program requirements and clinical recommendations.
