Updates to the National Immunisation Program

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) is an Australian government initiative that provides free vaccinations to older Australians. The flu vaccine is available annually from April to help during the flu season (May-October). The vaccine is updated each year to cover recent strains, particularly those prominent in the northern hemisphere. The flu vaccine can now also be combined with a COVID vaccination. If you have special medical conditions, please discuss additional vaccine options with your GP or medical provider. Some vaccination providers may charge a consultation/administration fee for the visit, even though the NIP vaccine is free. The Australian Government has announced that from 1 January 2024, community pharmacies will receive funding to administer NIP vaccines, including influenza vaccines, to eligible consumers with no out-of-pocket expenses. 

COVID-19 boosters are also recommended for all adults who have not had one in the past six months or a confirmed COVID-19 infection during this time. COVID-19 boosters are free for all adults. Check with your clinic if they plan to charge a consultation fee. You can book a booster dose through the Federal Government's COVID-19 information site or visit a GP or health center. You may be able to get both the flu and COVID-19 shots on the same day.

To see the full schedule of free vaccines for your age range in Western Australia, check the WA adult schedule.

Starting from 1 September 2023, the Australian Government will allow millions of Australians to buy two months' worth of medicine for the price of a single prescription, making hundreds of common medicines cheaper. This initiative will allow general patients to save up to $180 a year, and those with a concession card to save up to $43.80 a year per individual medicine.