Immunisations for older people

COVID-19 vaccines: For information about COVID-19 vaccines, see COVID-19 vaccination.

Why immunisation is important for older people

Immunisation is important at every stage of life, including older age.

As you get older:

• your immune system may not respond as strongly to infections
• you may be more likely to develop complications if you get sick
• recovery from illness can take longer.

Staying up to date with recommended immunisations can help you stay healthier and more independent for longer. It can also help stop the spread of diseases by protecting others in your community.

It is never too late to vaccinate

Many people may have missed some vaccines earlier in life or may not realise that booster doses are recommended in adulthood.

If you missed some vaccinations as a child, had an infection in the past, or are unsure of your vaccination history, you can still benefit from vaccination. Visit our Immunisations – catch-ups and boosters page for more information.

Immunity can decrease over time, which means you may no longer be fully protected against illnesses you thought you could not catch again. Vaccination can help restore your protection and also reduce the spread of disease to others, including young babies and people with weaker immune systems.

Common diseases you can protect yourself against are influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, tetanus, diphtheria, pneumococcal disease, whooping cough, and shingles.

Free vaccines for older people

The Australian Government funds free vaccines for older people under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

• Influenza (flu) –an annual vaccine for people aged 65 years and over, and for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. You need this vaccine every year.
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a single dose for people aged 75 years and older, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 65 years and older.
• Herpes zoster (shingles) – for people aged 65 years and older, for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and older, and for adults 18 years and older with certain medical risk conditions.
• Pneumococcal – for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over, non-indigenous adults aged 70 years and over and for adults with certain medical risk conditions.

The Australian Government also funds COVID-19 vaccines for older people:

Regular COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to maintain protection against severe illness, hospitalisation, and death from COVID-19. Vaccination is especially important for anyone aged 65 years or older and those at higher risk of severe disease. You can check your eligibility for COVID-19 booster vaccination using this Australian Government eligibility checker online tool.

These vaccines are funded for people in specified age groups and with certain medical risk conditions because the diseases can cause serious illness and sometimes death in older adults. Ask your GP or immunisation provider about your vaccine needs.

What immunisations do you need?

The recommended for you depend on your health, age, lifestyle, and occupation.

Together, these factors are known as HALO. Your GP (doctor) or immunisation provider will consider these factors when recommending immunisations for you. You can check your immunisation HALO using the Immunisation for Life infographic.

Diphtheria-tetanus-whooping cough booster

Whooping cough (or pertussis) spreads easily and can cause severe illness, and even death, especially in young babies under 6 months of age.

Pregnant women can receive the whooping cough vaccine from 20 weeks of pregnancy to protect their baby from birth and during the first months of life before the baby starts vaccination.

A routine whooping cough booster is especially important for people who are likely to be in close contact with babies, such as grandparents, carers and family members, to help protect infants who are too young to be fully vaccinated.

Even if you were immunised as a child, or you had whooping cough, your immunity can wear off. The booster dose is recommended from 65 years of age if you haven’t had one in the past 10 years.

Other immunisations you may need

Your GP may recommend other vaccinations for you, depending on your individual circumstances. These recommendations will vary from person to person. For instance, you may need extra vaccines if you have certain medical conditions, or are travelling overseas. Some infectious diseases are more common in other countries.

Your GP, local council immunisation service or participating pharmacy can advise which vaccines are suitable for you.

Please note, some providers may charge an administration or consultation fee. Be sure to check if this applies to you.

Where to get more information about immunisation

Speak with your GP, specialist, pharmacist, or immunisation provider.

When looking for immunisation information, always use reliable information sources, such as:

• Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program
• Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations
• Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC)
• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS)
• Australian Academy of Science – The science of immunisation.
• Australian Government Department of Health – Questions about vaccination.

Where to get help

• In an emergency, always call triple zero (000)
• Emergency department of your nearest hospital
• Your GP (doctor)
• Pharmacist
• Your local council immunisation service – visit Know Your Council
• Maternal and Child Health Line Tel. 13 22 29 (24 hours, 7 days)
• NURSE-ON-CALL Tel. 1300 60 60 24 – for expert health information and advice (24 hours, 7 days)
• Immunisation Program, Department of Health, Victorian Government. Email: immunisation@health.vic.gov.au
• National Immunisation Information Line Tel. 1800 671 811
• SAEFVIC Tel. 1300 882 924
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Victoria