COVID-19 vaccines moved onto the National Immunisation Program on 1 October 2026, which changed who gets a free dose and how often one is due. Pharmacists in NSW can give it to anyone aged 5 and over. Below, the current national advice is set out plainly so you can work out whether a dose is due for you.
Who is funded for a COVID-19 vaccine
From 1 October 2026 the COVID-19 vaccine is free for:
- all adults aged 75 and over, with two free doses a year about six months apart
- adults aged 65 to 74, one free dose a year
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 to 74, also one a year
- adults aged 18 to 64 with severe immunocompromise, one each year
You need a Medicare card, or to be eligible for one, to receive a funded dose. Anyone outside these groups can buy the vaccine privately after talking it through with a health professional. The pharmacist can confirm which group you fall into and what a private dose costs.
COVID booster at the pharmacy: how often to have a dose
Many people still call it a booster, but the latest ATAGI statement talks about doses each year instead. "Recommended" doses are funded; "consider" doses are bought privately.
- 75 and over: two doses each year.
- 65 to 74: one dose each year. With a medical risk condition or severe immunocompromise, a second about six months later can be considered.
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults 50 to 74: one yearly dose, with a second to consider for those with a risk condition.
- 18 to 64: consider a yearly dose, or have one recommended dose with severe immunocompromise.
- Children 5 to 17: not recommended unless they have a medical risk condition, then consider one dose a year.
There is no minimum wait after a COVID-19 infection, and no need to hold off for winter, because the virus has not settled into a reliable season.
COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy
A dose may be considered from 20 weeks in each pregnancy, which passes protection on to the baby. It is a "consider" dose, so it is not funded. It can be given alongside the whooping cough vaccine, the RSV vaccine or the flu vaccine.
Your COVID vaccine in Newport, step by step
- Walk in during opening hours; no booking is needed.
- Bring photo ID, your Medicare card if you have one, and your vaccination history, which helps confirm when your last dose was.
- The injection goes into the upper arm.
- Every dose goes on the Australian Immunisation Register.
- Wait at least 15 minutes afterwards so any immediate reaction can be managed.
The pharmacist will tell you which vaccine is in use this season. If you also need a flu dose or other walk-in vaccinations, they can be given at the same visit. Rapid tests are covered in our post on winter health and RATs.
Side effects after a COVID-19 vaccine
Expect a sore arm, headache, muscle pain, fever, chills or tiredness for a day or two. Serious side effects are very rare. Call triple zero (000) for a suspected severe allergic reaction, and see a doctor if a symptom worries you. healthdirect explains how to manage common reactions.
Common questions
Is the COVID vaccine still free for everyone?
No. Since 1 October 2026 it is free only for the NIP groups above. Others can pay for a private dose; ask the pharmacist about cost.
Can I have my COVID-19 and flu vaccines on the same day?
Yes. ATAGI advises the two can be given together.
Do I need a COVID vaccine certificate to travel?
Services Australia says you do not need an International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate for overseas travel. For the vaccines a trip may call for, see travel vaccination.
I take medicines that lower my immunity. Which doses apply to me?
Severe immunocompromise brings a funded yearly dose from age 18. The pharmacist can go through your medicines with you, and a medication review is another option. Our FAQs answer general questions about the pharmacy.