COVID vaccine no longer free for most Australians; costs hit $180
From 1 October, COVID vaccinations moved to the paid schedule for ineligible Australians, with pharmacy prices ranging from about $120 to $180.
On 1 October, the COVID-19 vaccine shifted from a standalone free program to the routine National Immunisation Program. Australians aged 75 and over, aged 65 to 74, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 to 74, and severely immunocompromised adults still get free jabs.
Everyone else must now pay. Pharmacies set their own prices with no national cap.
SBS News found charges ranging from $120 at TerryWhite Chemmart in Melbourne to $179.99 at Chemist Warehouse nationwide. A pharmacy owner in Melbourne said the high wholesale cost means some stores may not stock the vaccine at all.
Experts say price will deter some people, though cost barriers haven't stopped flu vaccination campaigns in the past.
- $120 to $180
- Price range
- 1 October
- Coverage date
- $120 at TerryWhite Melbourne
- Lowest price found
Why it mattersIf you don't fall into a covered group, a COVID booster now costs real money, up to $180, which may push some Australians to skip protection they actually need.
AustraliaAustralians outside protected groups must decide whether to pay for COVID protection, a shift from free jabs during the pandemic. Uptake of boosters may drop as cost becomes a barrier.
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