Free COVID vaccine at a pharmacy: who qualifies now

For most of the past few years, anyone in Australia could walk into a participating pharmacy and get a COVID-19 vaccine for free. That changed on 1 October 2026, when COVID-19 vaccines moved onto the National Immunisation Program (NIP). Free doses are now limited to the groups at highest risk, and most adults under 65 who want a dose have to pay for it.

Pharmacies are still giving COVID-19 vaccines. What has changed is who pays. This guide explains who still qualifies for a free dose, how often, what it costs if you do not qualify, and what to ask when you book.

Who still gets a free COVID-19 vaccine

From 1 October 2026, the NIP funds COVID-19 vaccines for these groups:

Group	Free doses
Adults aged 75 and over	2 a year, about 6 months apart
Adults aged 65 to 74	1 a year
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 to 74	1 a year
Adults with severe immunocompromise	1 a year

To get a free dose you also need a Medicare card, or to be eligible for one.

“Severe immunocompromise” is a narrow group. It covers people such as organ or stem cell transplant recipients, people with blood cancers, and people on treatments that strongly suppress the immune system. Most people with a long-term condition like diabetes or heart disease are not in this group. If you are unsure whether you qualify, ask your GP or specialist before you book.

There are no longer separate free categories for pregnancy, for children with medical risk conditions, or for adults under 65 who simply want to stay up to date.

Recommended doses and “can consider” doses

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) sorts its advice into doses that are recommended and doses that people can consider after talking it through with a health professional. Only the recommended doses are free.

People who can consider a dose, but will need to pay for it, include:

adults aged 18 to 64 who are not severely immunocompromised (1 dose a year);
people aged 65 to 74, and First Nations people aged 50 to 74, with medical risk conditions who want a second dose in the year;
severely immunocompromised adults aged 18 to 64 who want a second dose in the year;
pregnant women (1 dose from 20 weeks in each pregnancy);
children aged 6 months to under 18 with medical risk conditions.

Healthy children are not routinely recommended a COVID-19 vaccine.

What it costs if you are not eligible

There is no set national price for a privately purchased COVID-19 vaccine. Each pharmacy sets its own. In mid-October 2026, SBS News reported pharmacy prices ranging from about $120 to $180. Not every pharmacy stocks the vaccine for private sale, so phone ahead.

The cost of a privately purchased vaccine is not covered by Medicare and is not reimbursed.

Fees for free doses

Pharmacies that give NIP vaccines through the national pharmacy program are paid by the government for each dose, and they cannot charge an eligible person an extra fee for it. Some providers outside that program may charge an administration or consultation fee, though never for the vaccine itself. When you book, ask directly whether there will be any charge.

Booking at a pharmacy

Most pharmacies take bookings online or by phone. When you book:

check that the pharmacy offers COVID-19 vaccination and has stock;
bring your Medicare card;
ask whether there is any fee, especially if you are paying privately;
ask about having your flu vaccine at the same visit, since COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same time as other vaccines for people aged 5 and over.

Pharmacist age limits for COVID-19 vaccination vary by state and territory. In most states pharmacists can vaccinate people aged 5 and over, but check with the pharmacy if you are booking for a child. Every dose is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, which you can view through your Medicare account.

Practical Example: A 71-year-old in Wollongong last had a COVID-19 vaccine in mid-2025 and wants to be protected before summer. Under the new rules, people aged 65 to 74 get one free dose a year, so the pharmacist confirms he is due and vaccinates him at no cost. His 78-year-old neighbour qualifies for two free doses a year, about six months apart. His 45-year-old daughter, who has no medical risk conditions, can still get a dose at a pharmacy but will pay for it. She calls first to check the price and stock.

Finding a pharmacy

To find a pharmacy offering COVID-19 vaccination near you, use search for pharmacies and filter by service, or browse by state, such as pharmacies in NSW. Many also give flu vaccines and other National Immunisation Program vaccines. For a broader overview, see our guide to pharmacy vaccination services in Australia.

Official sources to check

For questions about eligibility, the National Immunisation Information Line is 1800 671 811. If you are 65 or over, First Nations and aged 50 or over, or severely immunocompromised, your dose is still free. Everyone else can still get vaccinated but should check the price before booking.