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NIP Schedule — 2026

Funded Immunisations
for Patients 50 and Older

A summary of vaccines available at no cost under the National Immunisation Program, incorporating schedule updates effective from mid-2026.

Influenza Pneumococcal Shingles RSV COVID-19

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Annual Vaccine

Influenza (Flu)

One dose recommended each year, ideally April–May before winter

Adults aged 65 years and over High-dose or adjuvanted formulation (Fluad Quad) available on NIP Funded

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people — any age Funded

Adults aged 50–64 years Funded under the Queensland Immunisation Program Funded

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New from 1 July 2026

Pneumococcal Capvaxive® (21vPCV)

Replaces Prevenar 13® and Pneumovax 23® — simplified to a single vaccine with broader coverage

Adults aged 65 years and over Single dose; previously vaccinated adults eligible ≥12 months after last pneumococcal dose Funded

ATSI adults aged 25 years and over Funded

Adults aged 18+ with specified medical conditions Newly expanded to include COPD and chronic liver disease — see note Funded

Adults 50–64 — no risk factors, non-ATSI Not funded

Medical risk conditions (18+ yrs): Immunocompromising conditions · Asplenia or splenic dysfunction · Chronic cardiac disease · Chronic respiratory disease (incl. COPD — newly eligible 2026) · Chronic renal disease · Chronic liver disease (newly eligible 2026) · Diabetes mellitus · CSF leak · Cochlear implant. Full list: Australian Immunisation Handbook, pneumococcal chapter.

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2-Dose Course

Herpes Zoster (Shingles) Shingrix® (RZV)

Recombinant subunit vaccine — two doses required for full protection

Adults aged 65 years and over 2 doses, 2–6 months apart Funded

ATSI people aged 50 years and over 2 doses, 2–6 months apart Funded

Adults aged 18+ with moderate or severe immunocompromise 2 doses given 1–2 months apart (accelerated schedule) — see note for qualifying conditions Funded

Adults 50–64 — immunocompetent, non-ATSI Not funded

Immunocompromised (18+ yrs) — qualifying examples: Haematological malignancy · Solid organ or haematopoietic stem cell transplant · HIV infection · Significant immunosuppressive therapy. Not all immunocompromised patients qualify — moderate/severe categories apply. Full criteria: Australian Immunisation Handbook zoster risk-conditions table.

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New — Funded from 15 May 2026

RSV Arexvy® (RSVPreF3 OA)

Single dose · Protection lasts at least 2 years · Revaccination timing under review

All adults aged 75 years and over Single intramuscular dose Funded

ATSI adults aged 60 years and over Single intramuscular dose Funded

Adults aged 60–74 — non-ATSI Available privately; discuss with GP Not funded

Adults aged 50–59 — with or without risk factors Arexvy is registered for this age group with risk factors, but not NIP-funded; discuss with GP Not funded

Note on Abrysvo®: The other registered RSV vaccine (Abrysvo) is NIP-funded only for pregnant women (28–36 weeks gestation) to protect newborns — it is not part of the adult 50+ program.

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Free for All Australians

COVID-19 Vaccine

Funded through a separate government program — free to all people in Australia including those without a Medicare card

Adults aged 75 years and over / aged care residents Recommended every 6 months Free

Adults aged 65–74 years (immunocompetent) Recommended every 12 months · may consider every 6 months Free

Adults aged 18–64 with severe immunocompromise Recommended every 12 months · may consider every 6 months Free

All other adults aged 50–64 (immunocompetent) Eligible for annual dose Free

Co-administration: COVID-19 vaccine can be co-administered with any other vaccine for adults. If giving both Fluad Quad (influenza) and Shingrix on the same day, consider separating them by a few days to minimise combined reactogenicity.

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Quick Reference

Eligibility at a Glance

NIP-funded vaccines — patients aged 50 and older · 2026 schedule

Vaccine	50–64 (general)	50–64 (ATSI)	50+ (medical risk)	65–74	75+
Influenza (annual)	✓ QIP	✓	✓	✓	✓
Pneumococcal Capvaxive®	—	✓ (25+)	✓	✓	✓
Shingles Shingrix®	—	✓ (50+)	✓ immunocomp. only (18+)	✓	✓
RSV Arexvy®	—	✓ (60+)	—	—	✓
COVID-19	✓ annual	✓	✓	✓	✓ 6-mthly

Sources: Australian Government Department of Health NIP Schedule (June 2026) · Australian Immunisation Handbook · Changes effective 15 May 2026 (RSV Arexvy) and 1 July 2026 (Capvaxive). Always verify current eligibility with the Handbook or health.gov.au.