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Vaccines for people over 65 years old

If you are aged 50 years and over and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, read the Vaccines for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people webpage.

If you are aged 65 years and over, you might have a higher risk of complications from:

  • influenza
  • pneumococcal
  • respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
  • shingles (herpes zoster).

You may be eligible to receive a funded vaccine for these conditions. A consultation fee may apply.

Speak to your doctor for more information.

Influenza vaccine

If you are aged 65 years and over, you can have a funded annual 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 aged 65 years and over, 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.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

If you are aged 75 years and over, you can have a funded RSV vaccine.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can infect your airways and lungs, and can cause severe illness. It is highly contagious and spreads easily.

Find out more about respiratory syncytial Virus (RSV).

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.

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

Speak to your family doctor or immunisation provider about vaccinations you may be eligible for. A consultation or administration fee may apply.

Vaccines for special risk groups

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