Vaccination (COVID-19)

Immunisations are used to protect people against harmful diseases before they come in contact with them [44421]. Being immunised against harmful diseases protects individuals, but also helps to protect the community by reducing the spread of preventable diseases. Once you have a vaccination against a disease your immune system remembers it and responds quickly to prevent the disease from developing. To ensure the best possible protection, the Australian Government funds the National Immunisation Program (NIP). NIP is a series of vaccinations given at specific time throughout a person’s life. Eligibility for free vaccines under the NIP is linked to eligibility for Medicare benefits.

There is an NIP schedule for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people [41689].

There are several safe and effective vaccines that prevent people from getting seriously ill or dying from COVID-19 [44416]. Vaccines are available in Australia for protection from COVID-19. In Australia, the most common vaccines available include Comirnaty (Pfizer), Vaxzevria (AstraZeneca), Spikevax (Moderna) and Nuvaxovid (Novavax).

To help people book a vaccination there is the Easy Vaccine Access (EVA) a simple call-back service.

Immunisation or vaccination – what’s the difference?

Immunisation is the process of receiving a vaccine and becoming immune to the disease as a result of having the vaccine.

Vaccination involves receiving a vaccine from a needle or drops in the mouth.

Immunisation and vaccines are administered by a healthcare professional.