From October 1, most Australians must pay for COVID vaccines
Starting October 1, COVID vaccines are free only for over-75s and people with severe immune problems. Everyone else must buy them privately.
Australia's COVID vaccine program changes on October 1. Free doses go only to people at highest risk.
People aged 75 and over get free vaccines. So do Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50-74.
People aged 18-64 with severely weakened immune systems also get free doses. Healthy adults aged 18-64 can still get vaccinated but must pay themselves.
COVID vaccines prevented an estimated 4,900 deaths in Victoria alone in mid-to-late 2021. The virus still spreads but poses less risk than early in the pandemic.
New variants have generally caused milder disease.
- October 1
- Program start date
- 4,900 in Victoria mid-to-late 2021
- Deaths prevented
- A$130-$150
- Private vaccine cost
- 75 and over
- Free age threshold
Why it mattersMillions of Australians will suddenly face a vaccine cost they didn't have before. This will shift personal health choices based on what people can afford.
AustraliaAround 18 million Australians outside high-risk groups will need to pay for COVID protection; uptake among lower-risk adults is likely to drop sharply.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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