Adults

Immunisation is just as important for adults as it is for children, especially for those who have a chronic disease or a weakened immune system.

Immunisation before travel

We recommend you speak with a GP if you have plans to travel as they can advise you on any immunisations you may need. Please ensure you contact them well in advance to ensure you have enough time to be vaccinated.

You can also find information on Smartraveller.

You may require a Yellow Fever immunisation for travel in West Africa, Latin America or outside urban areas of high risk countries.

Only Yellow Fever providers can give you the vaccine.

Please see the Department of Health’s factsheet on Yellow Fever for more information.

Pregnant Women

When you are pregnant your immune system changes. This means you may be more at risk of some infections and illnesses that can be harmful to you and your baby.

Immunisation can help protect you against some of these infections. Please discuss this with your doctor or healthcare provider.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Respiratory diseases are a major cause of illness and death in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. For this reason, vaccines are recommended and funded for all people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.

People aged 65 and older

People over the age 65 have a high risk of Influenza and Pneumococcal. For this reason, vaccines are recommended and funded for everyone in this age group.

Free Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine

A free vaccine against shingles is available for people aged 70 to 79 under the National Immunisation Program.

Shingles is a painful and debilitating skin rash that often includes blisters. The rash usually appears on one side of your face or body and lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. Persistent pain from shingles lesions (known as Post Herpetic Neuralgia) can be very severe and can last for a year or more.

Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox. You can still develop shingles if you have had chickenpox.

Older people are at high risk of the virus and it can be more severe.

The vaccine is free for people over 70 as an ongoing program. People aged 71 to 79 are also eligible for the free vaccine through a catch-up program until 2021.

Please speak with your GP for more information. You can also read the Shingles factsheet.

Hepatitis B vaccine

The Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the National Immunisation Program (NIP).

Intravenous drug users and household contacts of someone with Hepatitis B can access the vaccine for free through your doctor.

We also recommend the vaccine if you:

have multiple sexual partners
have certain chronic medical conditions and impaired immunity
have chronic liver disease or Hepatitis C
have an occupational risk, including healthcare workers, embalmers, tattooists and body-piercers, acupuncturists and sex workers
are a resident or staff member of a facility for people with intellectual disabilities
are an inmate or staff member of a long-term correction facility
travel to regions where Hepatitis B is common
are a migrant from a country where Hepatitis B is common
identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person

Please Note: funding is not always available for these groups of people.

Please see the links below on the recommended immunisations.

Reactions to immunisations

Adverse events following immunisation are notifiable under the ACT Public Health Act 1997: Public Health (Reporting of Notifiable Conditions) Code of Practice 2017 (No 1).

Medical officers and authorised nurse practitioners are required to make written notifications. The Adverse Event following Immunisation form can be downloaded from the CDC section of the HPS website: or by contacting the CDC section by phoning 6205 2300. Written notifications may be submitted via post or facsimile. All notifications should be made using full patient details.

Please complete the Immunisation Adverse Event Reporting Form or call the Immunisation Unit on 02 6205 2300 if you experience an adverse event following an immunisation.

Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) Vaccination for Adults

The ACT government funds MR vaccines for adults. Anyone born in or after 1966 and who has not previously received two measles containing vaccines is eligible for free MMR vaccine. You can access the vaccine for free through your doctor. Please note that your GP may still charge a consultation fee.

Refugees and humanitarian entrants

Refugees and humanitarian entrants are eligible for some free vaccines under the NIP. While the vaccines are free, your GP may charge a consultation fee. For more information see: