COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 Vaccination
COVID-19 Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and your community from serious illness. COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus that continues to circulate in Australia year-round.
In some cases, COVID-19 can cause severe illness, hospitalisation and death – and the COVID-19 vaccine is one of the most important measures in preventing this.
Regular COVID-19 vaccinations help maintain your protection against severe illness and reduce the risk of hospitalisation and complications.
In this guide, see why the COVID-19 vaccine matters, who should get vaccinated, what to expect, and how to book yours in.
Why getting a COVID-19 vaccine matters
COVID-19 remains a significant cause of respiratory illness in Australia, particularly for older adults and people with underlying health conditions. [Source: Respiratory Medicine Today] The virus spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes, as well as through contact with contaminated surfaces.
Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to reduce deaths and severe illness from COVID-19 infection. [Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration] It helps protect not just you, but also the vulnerable people around you – including elderly family members, those with weakened immune systems, and people living in aged care.
Even if you've had COVID-19 before, vaccination is still recommended. Previous infection provides some protection, but this can wane over time. Regular COVID-19 vaccination helps maintain your immunity and offers the best defence against new variants. [Source: Australian Government Department of Health]
Who should get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) provides recommendations on who should receive COVID-19 vaccination. Based on current ATAGI guidance, the following groups are recommended or eligible for regular COVID-19 vaccination: [Source: ATAGI Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines 2025]
Recommended (strongest benefit):
• Adults aged 75 years and over – a dose every 6 months
• Adults aged 65 to 74 years – a dose every 12 months (eligible for a dose every 6 months based on individual benefit–risk assessment)
• Adults aged 18 to 64 years with severe immunocompromise – a dose every 12 months (eligible for a dose every 6 months based on individual benefit–risk assessment)
Eligible (can choose to receive based on benefit–risk discussion with a healthcare provider):
• Adults aged 18 to 64 years with medical risk conditions – every 12 months
• All other adults aged 18 to 64 years – every 12 months
• Children and adolescents aged 5 to 17 years with severe immunocompromise – every 12 months
COVID-19 vaccination is not currently recommended for healthy children and adolescents under 18 years of age, or for children under 5 years, unless they have medical conditions that increase their risk of severe illness. If you're unsure whether you or a family member should be vaccinated, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. [Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook]
Most people who have never received a COVID-19 vaccine only need a single primary dose. People with severe immunocompromise are recommended to receive 2 primary doses and can consider a third. Your healthcare provider can advise on the right schedule for you. [Source: NCIRS]
Who is eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine?
All COVID-19 vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia, regardless of Medicare or visa status. This includes Australian citizens, permanent residents, and those without a Medicare card. [Source: Australian Government Department of Health]
You can receive your free* COVID-19 vaccine at a range of vaccination providers, including general practices, community health centres and pharmacies.
Can I get my flu and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time?
Yes. It is safe and convenient to receive your COVID-19 vaccine alongside your flu vaccine at the same appointment for people aged 5 years and over. Co-administration is recommended by ATAGI and means you can protect yourself against both viruses in a single visit. [Source: ATAGI Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines 2025]
For children under 5 years of age, it is preferred to separate routine childhood vaccinations and COVID-19 vaccination by 7 to 14 days, although they can be given on the same day if needed. [Source: Australian Immunisation Handbook]
When and where to get your COVID-19 vaccine
Unlike the flu, COVID-19 circulates in the community throughout the year, so there's no single "best season" to get vaccinated.
The most important factor is staying up to date with your recommended doses based on your age and risk profile.
If you're planning international travel, it's a good idea to ensure your COVID-19 vaccination is up to date before departure.
COVID-19 vaccines are available at a range of health service locations – including general practices, community health centres and pharmacies such as Blooms The Chemist. Find a Blooms The Chemist near you by using our Store Finder.
What to expect when getting your COVID-19 vaccine
You may experience mild side effects following your COVID-19 vaccine appointment.
The good news is that most reactions are minor and typically last no more than a couple of days. Common side effects can include: [Source: AusVaxSafety]
• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Muscle or joint pain
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Mild fever or chills
• Nausea
If you do experience these mild COVID-19 vaccine side effects, rest and take it easy for a day or two. You can use a cold compress on the injection site and take pain relief to help relieve symptoms. [Source: NCIRS]
After receiving your vaccine, you'll be asked to wait for a 15-minute observation period to ensure no adverse reaction occurs.
How to book your COVID-19 vaccine with us
Ready to protect yourself against COVID-19?
Book your COVID-19 vaccine online with us today.
Simply enter your postcode or suburb and select the COVID vaccine type. We'll find available bookings at your nearest Blooms The Chemist.
FAQs about the COVID-19 vaccine
COVID-19 vaccines currently available in Australia are mRNA vaccines. They work by providing your body with genetic instructions to make a harmless piece of the SARS-CoV-2 virus called the spike protein. Your immune system detects these spike proteins and learns how to recognise and respond to the virus – without you ever having to get sick. The genetic material is then quickly broken down and cleared by the body. Following vaccination, your body builds protective antibodies that can fight off the real virus if you're exposed. [Source: NCIRS]
Protection from COVID-19 vaccination can decrease over time, which is why regular doses are recommended for those at higher risk. ATAGI recommends that adults aged 75 and over receive a dose every 6 months, while adults aged 65 to 74 and those with severe immunocompromise should receive a dose every 12 months. All other eligible adults can also choose to receive a dose every 12 months. [Source: ATAGI Statement on COVID-19 Vaccines 2025]
Yes, it's still possible to contract COVID-19 after vaccination. The vaccine cannot give you COVID-19, but as it takes time for your body to build protection, you may catch the virus shortly after vaccination. The SARS-CoV-2 virus also continues to evolve, and while vaccines are updated to target newer variants, they may not prevent all infections. However, even if you do get COVID-19 after being vaccinated, your symptoms are usually much milder and the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and death is significantly reduced. [Source: Australian Government Department of Health]
COVID-19 vaccinations are free for everyone in Australia, regardless of Medicare or visa status. You cannot be charged for the vaccine itself or for the appointment to receive it. [Source: Australian Government Department of Health]
Australia currently uses mRNA COVID-19 vaccines – specifically, the Comirnaty (Pfizer) vaccines in LP.8.1 and JN.1 formulations. These are inactive vaccines (not live vaccines) and cannot cause COVID-19 infection. They have been rigorously assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for safety, quality and effectiveness before being approved for use in Australia. [Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration]
Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended even if you've had a previous infection, including asymptomatic infection. There are no safety concerns for people receiving a COVID-19 vaccine who have had a recent COVID-19 infection. However, you may choose to defer your next dose for up to 4 months following an infection. Speak with your healthcare provider about the best timing for you. [Source: Australian Government Department of Health]
The COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you COVID-19. The mRNA vaccines used in Australia do not contain any live virus. Some people may experience mild side effects such as a sore arm, headache, muscle aches or mild fever – these are signs that your immune system is responding to the vaccine and are not symptoms of COVID-19. Most side effects resolve within 1 to 2 days. [Source: AusVaxSafety]
The most common side effects of COVID-19 vaccines include pain at the injection site, headache, muscle pain, fatigue, chills, joint pain and mild fever. These symptoms are temporary and typically resolve within 1 to 3 days without treatment. You can take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce any discomfort. Serious side effects are extremely rare. [Source: NCIRS]
Yes. COVID-19 vaccination is considered safe during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or when planning pregnancy. Unvaccinated pregnant women are at increased risk of severe disease from COVID-19. mRNA vaccines are preferred during pregnancy. Speak with your healthcare provider about the most appropriate vaccination schedule for your circumstances. [Source: NCIRS]
Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and others from severe illness. All COVID-19 vaccines used in Australia have been rigorously assessed by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and meet strict standards for safety, quality and effectiveness. The TGA continues to monitor vaccine safety on an ongoing basis, and over 60 million doses have been administered in Australia with a strong safety record. [Source: Therapeutic Goods Administration]
Information on this page is current as of April 2026 and is based on the latest ATAGI guidance. COVID-19 recommendations are reviewed regularly. Always speak with your healthcare provider for personalised advice.