Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccination
COVID-19 vaccines are provided by the Australian Government and are free for everyone in Australia regardless of Medicare or visa status.
Here’s what you need to know about COVID-19 vaccination.
COVID-19 vaccines and vaccination explained
COVID-19 vaccines are treatments that stimulate the body’s immune response to COVID-19, training your immune system to recognise and clear out COVID-19 before it makes you seriously ill.
COVID-19 vaccination is when a person receives a COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Find more information about COVID-19 vaccines, with answers to frequently asked questions from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). NCIRS is the leading research organisation in Australia on vaccine preventable diseases and immunisation.
What it means to have an up-to-date vaccination status
A person is ‘up to date’ with COVID-19 vaccination if they have received all the vaccine doses recommended for their age and individual health needs.
Find detailed advice about who should get vaccinated.
You may be recommended to get an additional COVID-19 vaccination. For more information visit the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) or talk to your doctor or vaccination provider about your individual circumstances and your vaccination options.
If you need it, you can get proof of your COVID-19 vaccination.
About the COVID-19 vaccines
The COVID-19 vaccines currently approved for use in Australia include:
Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca) is no longer available as an approved COVID-19 vaccine. If you previously received a primary course and/or booster dose of AstraZeneca, visit the Australian Government website for information.
You will receive a vaccine that is recommended for your age and health needs. You should speak to your doctor to understand the risks and benefits of vaccination.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) recommends completing your primary vaccination course with the same vaccine (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax or AstraZeneca). There are some special circumstances where a mixed primary vaccination course may be recommended. Find more information on mixed (heterologous) primary vaccination schedules.
The Australian Government has more detailed information about COVID-19 vaccine safety and side effects and clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines.
Getting vaccinated after having COVID-19
It is possible to catch COVID-19 more than once, so if you have recovered from a recent COVID-19 infection you should still receive your recommended COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination is likely to increase your protection more than infection alone.
The Australian Government provides further detail about vaccination after a COVID-19 infection.
Questions and further information
Speak to your doctor if you have any questions about vaccination and if it is recommended for you.
Get answers to frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination from the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS). NCIRS is the leading research organisation in Australia on vaccine preventable diseases and immunisation.
If you need further information about COVID-19 or the COVID-19 vaccines:
- visit the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccines information
- call Healthdirect on 1800 022 222
- access COVID-19 Easy Read resources.