Seniors and immunisation

Anyone aged 65 years and older is at high risk from developing serious complications from certain vaccine preventable diseases compared with young health adults. Being vaccinated against these diseases reduces the risk of getting sick and possibly hospitalized. It is important to keep up to date with vaccinations and speak to your doctor for advice.

Influenza and Pneumococcal disease

Anyone ages 65 years and older is at high risk if they are infected with influenza and/or pneumococcal disease. Influenza vaccines are free for people in this age group, however you may have to pay for the consultation when having your influenza vaccine.

Pneumococcal vaccines are free for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over and non-indigenous adults aged 70 years or over. People with specific risk conditions are eligible to receive free pneumococcal vaccines. To access the list of conditions go to the Australian Immunisation Handbook

COVID-19

The risk of serious illness from COVID-19 increases as you get older. Globally the highest rate of death from COVID-19 is among older people, particularly those with other serious health conditions or a weakened immune system. Adults aged 70 years and over and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 years and over will be one of the first groups (Phase 1b) to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

Shingles

The incidence of shingles increases with age, as does the incidence of serious complications such as ongoing nerve pain. The National Shingles Vaccination Program provides a free shingles vaccination to all people 70 years of age, with a five–year catch up program for people aged 71–79 years old until 31 October 2023. Although this vaccine is provided at no cost, a consultation fee may apply.

The shingles vaccine is not suitable for everyone. It should not be used with people who have an immune system which is weakened by certain medical conditions or medicines as there is a risk of infection with the vaccine virus, which can have serious life-threatening outcomes. You are encouraged to talk to your GP about the shingles vaccine to see if it is appropriate for you.

Booster doses

Booster doses may be required for some diseases, such as whooping cough, as immunity starts to wane as people get older. Talk to your doctor to find out more.

Read more information about where to get vaccinated.