The government is now operating in accordance with the Guidance on Caretaker Conventions, pending the outcome of the 2025 federal election.

Vaccination saves lives – prepare and protect

Protect yourself and your older community from common viruses like COVID-19 and flu. These are respiratory infections can make you cough and sneeze, give you a runny nose sore throat or fever. COVID-19 and flu can also get worse and lead to headaches, aches, shortness of breath and chest pain.

Date published:
Audience:
General public

Older age is one of the biggest risk factors for serious illness from COVID-19 or flu. Regular vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of getting seriously ill, needing hospital care or even dying.  

When to get a vaccination

All people aged over 6 months of age are recommended to get an annual flu vaccine.   

A COVID-19 vaccine is recommended every 6 months if you are 75 years or older.  

If you are 65 to 74 years of age, talk to your GP or nurse practitioner to check if you’re eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine dose every 6 months.  

All adults are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines. 

You can get both vaccines at the same time, and you don’t have to wait 6 months after a COVID-19 infection to get your vaccination. 

You can get vaccinated by your GP or pharmacist, or at your local community health centre or Aboriginal health service.  

Book in for a vaccination  

Find a health service at healthdirect.gov.au or call 1800 022 222. 

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