COVID-19 vaccination

COVID-19 vaccination has become a routine part of staying well, much like the yearly flu shot — and for most Australians, the local pharmacy is now one of the easiest places to get it. Trained pharmacist immunisers provide COVID-19 vaccines in communities right across the country, often without an appointment. This page explains who’s recommended to have a dose, how often, and what to expect.

What is COVID-19 vaccination?

COVID-19 vaccines protect against the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2. They don’t always stop you catching it, but they substantially reduce your risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death — which is the whole point. Protection from both vaccination and past infection wanes over time, and the virus keeps changing, which is why ongoing booster doses are recommended for the people most likely to get seriously unwell, with the vaccines periodically updated to better match circulating variants.

Australia’s recommendations are guided by ATAGI (the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation) and shift as the situation evolves, so the most reliable answer to “what should I have, and when?” is the current official advice — which your pharmacist follows.

Who is it for and how often?

Recommendations are based mainly on age and risk of severe disease, rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule. In broad terms, older adults and people with conditions that weaken the immune system or raise their risk are advised to have boosters more frequently, while many healthy younger adults and children need them less often. The precise intervals and eligibility change over time, so the practical step is to check whether you’re due based on the current guidance.

Your pharmacist can tell you what’s recommended for your age and health, and whether you’re eligible for a dose now. They’ll ask about your age, medical conditions, immune status, previous COVID-19 vaccines and any past reactions, recent COVID-19 infection (which can affect timing), other vaccines you’re having, allergies, and whether you’re pregnant — pregnancy is a situation where COVID-19 vaccination is specifically recommended.

The pharmacist will refer you to your GP or a specialist immunisation service if your situation is complex — for example, certain significant immune conditions, a history of a serious reaction to a previous dose, or other circumstances that need medical assessment.

How it works at the pharmacy

Many pharmacies take bookings online or by phone, and some accept walk-ins. After a brief pre-vaccination check to confirm it’s suitable and time to give you a dose, the pharmacist administers the vaccine — usually into the upper arm — and asks you to wait nearby for around 15 minutes so they can make sure you’re well before you leave. The dose is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, so it appears on your immunisation history (viewable through Medicare/myGov).

COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone in Australia who is recommended to have them, regardless of Medicare or visa status, as part of the national program. The pharmacist can often give your COVID-19 vaccine at the same visit as your flu vaccine if you’re due for both. Bring a form of ID and your Medicare card if you have one. Because the brand available and your eligibility can change, it’s worth confirming details when you book.

Safety and what to expect

COVID-19 vaccines have been given hundreds of millions of times worldwide and are closely monitored for safety. Common side effects are mild and short-lived: a sore arm, tiredness, headache, muscle aches or a mild fever for a day or two — a sign your immune system is responding. Serious reactions are rare, and pharmacist immunisers are trained and equipped to manage them, which is why you wait a short time afterwards.

Seek medical advice if you have side effects that are severe or persist, and urgent care for any rare signs of a serious allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fast heartbeat, feeling faint) shortly after vaccination. If you have questions about whether a dose is right for you, your pharmacist or GP can talk them through.

How it’s regulated in Australia

COVID-19 vaccines are approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration, recommended through ATAGI and the Australian Immunisation Handbook, and funded under the national program. Pharmacist immunisers administer them under state and territory rules, complete accredited immunisation training, record doses on the Australian Immunisation Register, and are registered with the Pharmacy Board of Australia. A separate page covers COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 5–11.

Official sources

• Healthdirect: COVID-19
• Department of Health: COVID-19 vaccines
• Australian Immunisation Register (Services Australia)

Booking or eligibility details can change, so confirm when you book. Use the button below to find a pharmacy listing COVID-19 vaccination near you.