Vaccines for people over 65 years old

If you are over 65 years old you have a higher risk of complications from:

• influenza
• pneumococcal
• shingles (herpes zoster).

You can receive a funded vaccine for these infections. A consultation fee may apply.

Speak to your doctor for more information.

Influenza vaccine

If you are 65 years and over, you can have a funded yearly influenza vaccine.

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.

Find out more about influenza vaccines.

Pneumococcal vaccine

If you are over 70 years old you can have a funded pneumococcal vaccine.

Invasive pneumococcal disease is caused by a bacteria. This can cause severe illness including infection of the brain, blood or lungs.

Find out more about invasive pneumococcal disease.

Shingles (herpes zoster)

Shingles (also called herpes zoster) is the disease caused when the chickenpox virus reactivates.

It is a painful 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 can be very severe and can last for a year or more.

People 65 years of age and over are eligible for 2 doses of government funded shingles vaccine.

To arrange a shingles vaccine speak with your family doctor or other immunisation provider. A consultation fee may apply.

Go to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care website for more information about shingles and the shingles vaccine.

Vaccines for special risk groups

Go to the Australian Immunisation Handbook for more details on vaccination for special risk groups.