COVID-19 vaccines transition to the National Immunisation Program from 1 October
COVID-19 vaccines will transition to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) from 1 October 2026, bringing changes to eligibility for funded doses and introducing new arrangements for vaccine providers.
The Australian Government has announced that COVID-19 vaccination will move from the stand-alone National COVID-19 Vaccine Program to the National Immunisation Program (NIP), reflecting the changing COVID-19 landscape in Australia.
While COVID-19 is now considered endemic, it continues to have a significant impact on people at highest risk of severe illness, particularly older Australians and people who are immunocompromised.
Who will be eligible for funded COVID-19 vaccines?
From 1 October 2026, funded COVID-19 vaccines under the NIP will be available to:
all adults aged 75 years and over (one dose every six months)
adults aged 65 to 74 years (one dose every 12 months)
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 to 74 years (one dose every 12 months)
adults aged 18 years and over with severe immunocompromise (one dose every 12 months).
People who do not meet the eligibility criteria for a funded vaccine may choose to access COVID-19 vaccination privately following a discussion with their healthcare provider.
What this means for immunisation providers
The transition will align COVID-19 vaccination with existing arrangements used for other vaccines delivered through the National Immunisation Program. Vaccine ordering, distribution, reporting and program support will move to established state and territory NIP processes.
Until 1 October 2026, providers should continue recommending and administering COVID-19 vaccines in accordance with the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
Why patient recall activities remain important
The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance advises that COVID-19 continues to be a leading contributor to respiratory infection-related deaths in Australia. In 2025, COVID-19 was responsible for more than 2,000 deaths nationally.
At the same time, vaccination uptake among older Australians has declined, highlighting the importance of proactive patient identification and recall activities.
Practices can identify patients who may be due for a COVID-19 vaccination using the Winter Wellness Report in Primary Sense.
Free COVID-19 recall support available
To support practices in protecting vulnerable patients, Brisbane South PHN has partnered with GoShare to help Best Practice and Medical Director practices identify eligible patients aged 65 years and over who are due for a COVID-19 vaccination.
The free recall program includes complimentary SMS credits and support from GoShare staff to assist practices throughout the process.
Practices interested in participating can submit an expression of interest here.
To learn how one Brisbane South practice successfully improved vaccination uptake through a targeted recall activity, read our case study: Protecting at-risk populations against COVID-19 through a targeted recall activity.
For further information, contact the team at Brisbane South PHN by emailing [email protected]
Helpful links
Further information and resources for healthcare professionals: