Immunisations – are yours up to date?

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Content last updated 31/08/2026

Immunisations – are yours up to date?

Summary

While spring is starting, flu is still circulating across our community. Here on the Gold Coast, our below average rates of immunisation mean protecting yourself – and taking advantage of free immunisations – is the most crucial step to minimise your risk of serious illness and infection that can result in hospitalisation and extended time off work. Are your immunisations up to date?

After the fun and mingling of the Gold Coast Show, there’s a heightened risk of community transmission of some of the nasty bugs that lurk where we least expect it. This includes influenza and RSV. Without adequate community protection, infections can lead to us, our children, friends and family feeling unwell or ending up in hospital.

Discussing immunisation questions with your GP can help you to make an informed choice about what’s right for you and your family. Are you aware of what immunisations you’ve had, and haven’t? Are you keen to take advantage of free shots available?

Here’s what’s on offer currently:

Influenza

Until 30 September 2026, all Queenslanders 6 months of age and over are eligible for free influenza vaccine.

Our campaign, “Protect yourself from flu” shows how getting immunised every year helps reduce your risk of serious illness and helps protect those around you.

Find out more by visiting our Influenza webpage.

RSV

Anyone who wants to protect themselves against RSV can discuss the vaccine with their GP.

The following groups are eligible for a free:

  • pregnant women from 28 weeks’ gestation
  • infants less than 24 months of age
  • all adults aged 75 years and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over.

More information about RSV vaccination can be found online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and on the Queensland Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program webpage. Book an appointment with your GP today.

COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccination remains important in reducing the risk of severe illness, particularly for higher-risk patients and older people. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:

  • all adults every 12 months
  • people aged 18 to 64 years with severe immunocompromise every 12 months
  • people aged 65 to 74 years every 12 months
  • people aged 75 years and over every 6 months.

Queensland and Australian data show that having the recommended COVID-19 vaccines keeps older people out of hospital if they get infected with COVID-19.

More information on the current advice for COVID-19 boosters can be found online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and on the COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations webpage. From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccination will no longer be available as a universal program, but will instead be funded to eligible groups at highest risk of severe disease.

Check out our webpage if you’re curious to read more.

Pneumococcal

From 1 July 2026, changes to the NIP adult pneumococcal schedule include:

  • transition from the current two-vaccine adult schedule using 13vPCV and 23vPPV, to a single vaccine approach.

21vPCV (Capvaxive®) is funded for:

  • adults with at-risk medical conditions aged 18 years and over
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and over
  • all adults aged 65 years and over.