Major changes to the COVID-19 vaccine program coming from October 1
Updated . First published
Vaccines for COVID-19 will move off the freebie list for all but the most vulnerable Australians in less than two weeks, the government has announced.
From October 1, the vaccine will be integrated into the National Immunisation Program, instead of the standalone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program that was established during the pandemic.
From October 1, the COVID-19 vaccine will no longer be free for many Australians. Getty
Starting on that day, the vaccine will be free for people most at risk of severe disease, including the following groups.
- All adults aged 75 years and over (two doses a year, approximately six months apart).
- Adults aged 65–74 years (one dose a year). For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, this age bracket is extended to people aged 50-74.
- Adults aged 18–64 years with severe immunocompromise (one dose a year).
Other adults will have the option to purchase the vaccine privately, based on discussions with their healthcare provider.
The Department of Health did not reveal how much an individual jab would cost.
“The NCVP was established under emergency arrangements to provide broad and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines during Australia’s response to the pandemic,” the Department of Health said.
“At the time, most people had little or no immunity against the disease.
“COVID-19 is now endemic (common) in Australia.
“It continues to affect some groups more than others. The vaccination program will focus on maintaining protection against severe COVID-19 in people most at risk.”
People will be able to make vaccine appointments with doctors or GPs, council immunisation clinics, community health centres, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services, and participating pharmacies.
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