Adults (above 19 years)

Vaccination is just as important for adults to stay protected from harmful diseases. If you haven’t had the recommended vaccines during your childhood, you can still get catch-up vaccines. If you are unsure whether you’ve had them, speak to your doctor or immunisation provider.

Catch-ups

Having catch-up vaccinations means people can complete a course of age-appropriate vaccinations in the shortest but most effective timeframe. This provides optimal protection against disease as quickly as possible.

Vaccination Schedule

People with medically at-risk conditions may require additional vaccines. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Age Disease Comments
19 to 49 years old Measles-mumps-rubella
  • All adults born during or since 1966 who have not received 2 doses of MMR vaccine are recommended to receive 2 doses
  • Minimum interval between doses is 4 weeks
Influenza
  • All adults require one dose every year  (this may incur a fee)
50 years old and older Pneumococcal
  • Additional vaccine for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults. Dependent on previous pneumococcal vaccinations. Dose of Prevenar 13 at ≥50 years of age with a dose of Pneumovax 23 2–12 months after that and then a second dose of Pneumovax 23 at least 5 years after the previous dose
Influenza
  • All adults require one dose every year (this may incur a fee)
65 years and older Influenza
  • Free for all adults aged 65+
70 years and older Varicella zoster (shingles)
  • All adults
  • Catch-up available for ages 71 to 79 years (until the end of 2021)
Pneumococcal
  • For non-Indigenous people; free for people 70 years and older. Must be given at least 12 months after any previous Pneumovax 23 dose. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander vaccinations dependent on previous pneumococcal vaccinations.
Influenza
  • Free for all adults aged 65+

* People with certain conditions have an increased risk of pneumococcal disease. They need extra doses of vaccines to optimise protection. For more information on pneumococcal vaccines, see your doctor or health provider.

Find out more

To find out more on immunisation for adults aged 19 years old and over, contact your doctor or health provider or call 13 HEALTH (13 432 584).