COVID-19 vaccination update: transition to the National Immunisation Program
From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines will transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP), replacing the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program (NCVP).
Under the NIP the following cohorts will remain eligible for a funded COVID-19 vaccine:
- all adults aged 75 years and over (one dose every 6 months)
- adults aged 65–74 years (one dose every 12 months)
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50–74 years (one dose every 12 months)
- all adults aged 18 years and over with severe immunocompromise (one dose every 12 months)
People who are not eligible for a funded vaccine may choose to purchase a COVID-19 vaccine privately following a risk-benefit discussion with their healthcare provider.
Until 1 October 2026, providers should continue to recommend and administer COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Further information
Fact sheet: COVID-19 vaccines - Update for immunisation providers
Program advice: COVID-19 NIP transition
Information Kit: COVID-19 vaccine NIP transition – Information kit for health professionals
Date: Thursday 24 September 2026
Time: 11:30 am–1:00 pm ACST
08 September 2026