Adults may need influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal, MMR, varicella, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, HPV, RSV, meningococcal and travel vaccines. The right vaccines depend on your age, health, pregnancy, occupation, travel plans and previous vaccination history.
Some vaccines are recommended annually, while others are given as boosters, catch-up doses or when certain health risks arise. Even if you completed childhood vaccinations, your protection and vaccination needs can change throughout adulthood.
This guide explains who may need each vaccine, when additional doses are recommended and when to discuss your vaccination history with a GP.
Why Is Adult Vaccination Important?
Adult vaccination helps maintain protection against preventable diseases as immunity from some earlier vaccines can decrease over time. It also protects against infections that become more serious with age, pregnancy, certain medical conditions or increased exposure through work and travel.
Staying up to date with recommended vaccines can help:
- Reduce the risk of severe illness from influenza, COVID-19, shingles and pneumococcal disease
- Lower the chance of complications, hospitalisation and prolonged recovery
- Restore protection through recommended booster or catch-up doses
- Protect vulnerable people, including babies, older adults and people with weakened immune systems
- Support a safer pregnancy through vaccines recommended before or during pregnancy
- Manage workplace and travel risks where exposure to certain infections may be higher
Vaccines may not prevent every infection, but they can reduce the likelihood of becoming seriously unwell. The vaccines you need can change throughout adulthood, which is why age, health, lifestyle, occupation and vaccination history should be reviewed regularly.
Do Adults Still Need Vaccines?
Adults still need vaccines because protection from some childhood doses can decrease over time, while other vaccines are recommended only during adulthood. Annual vaccines, booster doses and catch-up vaccination can help maintain protection as a person’s age, health and exposure risks change.
Consider booking an adult vaccination review if you are unsure whether you completed your childhood vaccinations, have reached an age when shingles, pneumococcal or other vaccines are recommended, are pregnant, planning pregnancy or recently gave birth, have a chronic illness or weakened immune system, take medicines that affect the immune system, work in healthcare, childcare, laboratories or another higher-risk occupation, live with or regularly visit a young baby, are preparing for international travel, were vaccinated overseas or have incomplete records, or have experienced a significant change in your health or lifestyle.
A GP or immunisation provider can review your available records, identify missed doses and explain which vaccines are recommended or funded for your circumstances. Being fully vaccinated as a child does not always mean no further vaccines are needed as an adult.
Adult Vaccine Recommendations at a Glance
The table below summarises common recommendations. Being recommended a vaccine does not always mean it is funded under the National Immunisation Program. Eligibility can also differ between states and territories.
| Adult group | Vaccines commonly reviewed | Important notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults aged 18 to 49 | Influenza, COVID-19, MMR, varicella, HPV and catch-up | Depends on records and risk |
| Adults aged 50 to 64 | Above vaccines, tetanus-diphtheria booster, shingles and RSV when indicated | Shingles is recommended from 50 |
| Adults aged 65 to 74 | Influenza, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal and pertussis | Review health-based recommendations |
| Adults aged 75 and over | Above vaccines plus RSV and six-monthly COVID-19 vaccination | Respiratory disease risk increases with age |
| Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults | Influenza, pneumococcal, shingles and RSV | Some funded ages begin earlier |
| Pregnant women | Influenza, pertussis and maternal RSV | Recommended timing differs for each vaccine |
| Medical or occupational risk | Influenza, pneumococcal, meningococcal, hepatitis B, shingles and others | Depends on the condition or exposure |
| International travellers | Routine and destination-specific vaccines | Seek advice 6 to 8 weeks before departure |
Which Vaccines Are Recommended for Adults?
Adult vaccine needs are individual. The following vaccines are commonly considered during an immunisation review.
Influenza Vaccine
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over. It is particularly important for adults aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those at risk of severe influenza, as formulations change each season.
COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for adults, but further-dose timing varies. Adults aged 18 to 64 may consider an annual dose; those aged 65 to 74 are recommended an annual dose; and adults 75 and over are recommended a dose every six months. Immunocompromised status may change the recommended schedule.
Shingles Vaccine
Shingles vaccination is recommended for immunocompetent adults from age 50 and immunocompromised adults from age 18. Two-dose Shingrix is NIP-funded from age 65, from age 50 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and for selected immunocompromised adults where clinically appropriate.
MMR Vaccine
Adults born during or since 1966 should generally have evidence of two measles-containing vaccine doses, usually MMR, or acceptable evidence of immunity. Catch-up may be needed before pregnancy, travel or higher-risk work. MMR is not given during pregnancy.
Varicella Vaccine
Non-immune adults are recommended two varicella (chickenpox) doses at least four weeks apart. Review immunity before pregnancy and higher-risk work. This live vaccine is contraindicated during pregnancy and for some immunocompromised people.
Pertussis Vaccine
Pertussis vaccination is recommended during every pregnancy, ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. A booster is also recommended from age 65 and for adults in close contact with infants if their last dose was over 10 years ago.
Tetanus and Diphtheria Vaccines
Adults aged 50 and over should review tetanus and diphtheria boosters, especially if their last dose was over 10 years ago. A booster may be needed after a tetanus-prone wound if the previous dose was over five years ago. An incomplete primary course requires catch-up.
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for adults with occupational, medical, household, sexual or blood-exposure risk. This includes some healthcare workers, contacts of someone with hepatitis B, people who inject drugs, men who have sex with men and people with chronic liver disease or immunocompromised conditions.
HPV Vaccine
Unvaccinated people can access NIP-funded HPV catch-up vaccination up to and including age 25. Adults aged 26 and over are not routinely recommended HPV vaccination, although some may benefit after an individual assessment where clinically appropriate.
RSV Vaccine
RSV vaccination is recommended in pregnancy from 28 weeks, preferably between 28 and 36 weeks. It is also recommended from age 75, from age 60 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, and from age 60 for adults with relevant medical risks.
Pneumococcal Vaccine
Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended and NIP-funded for adults aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 and over, and adults with specified medical risk conditions. The recommended vaccine and timing can depend on previous pneumococcal doses.
Meningococcal Vaccine
Meningococcal ACWY and B vaccines are recommended for people with certain medical conditions, laboratory exposure or other higher-risk circumstances. Vaccination may also be considered for young adults living in close quarters, current smokers and travellers visiting high-risk regions or mass gatherings.
Travel Vaccines
Travel vaccines depend on destination, trip length, activities and health. They may include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, Japanese encephalitis, meningococcal or polio boosters. See a doctor 6 to 8 weeks before departure, although last-minute advice still helps.
Can You Get Vaccinated as an Adult if You Missed Doses?
You can get vaccinated as an adult if you missed vaccines earlier in life. A catch-up schedule considers your age, previous doses, health, lifestyle and occupation. In most cases, a delayed course can continue without restarting every dose.
Check your vaccination history through your Medicare online account, myGov or the Express Plus Medicare app. Older vaccinations and vaccines given overseas may not appear on the Australian Immunisation Register, so bring any paper or overseas records to your appointment.
Are Adult Vaccines Safe?
Vaccines supplied in Australia are assessed for quality, safety and effectiveness, and safety monitoring continues after approval. Common reactions include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, tiredness and a mild fever. These effects are generally mild and often settle within one or two days.
Seek urgent medical help — call 000 or attend your nearest emergency department — for difficulty breathing, facial or throat swelling, collapse or another sign of a severe allergic reaction after vaccination.
When Should You Speak to a GP or Immunisation Provider?
Book a vaccine review if your records are incomplete, you have reached an age milestone, are pregnant or planning pregnancy, have a chronic condition, take immune-suppressing medicines, work in a higher-risk role or plan overseas travel. Tell the provider about previous severe allergic reactions, current illness, pregnancy and all medicines before vaccination.
Smith Street Medical offers adult boosters, catch-up vaccination and travel immunisation advice across our clinics. Choose your preferred clinic to book an appointment, or visit the Smith Street Medical homepage to learn more, and see our related guide on how long the flu shot lasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vaccines do I need as an adult in Australia?
You may need routine, booster or catch-up vaccines depending on your age, health, pregnancy, work, travel and vaccination history.
Do adults need to be vaccinated if they had childhood vaccines?
Adults need annual vaccines, boosters and age-based vaccines. Childhood vaccination does not provide lifelong protection against every disease.
Can you get vaccinated as an adult if you missed doses?
Yes. Adults can receive routine, catch-up, travel and risk-based vaccines. A provider can review your records and create an appropriate schedule.
Which vaccines do adults need every year?
Influenza vaccination is recommended every year. COVID-19 dose frequency varies according to age, immunocompromised status and individual risk.
What vaccinations are live vaccines?
Live vaccines relevant to adults include MMR, varicella, yellow fever, BCG and some oral travel vaccines. They may be contraindicated during pregnancy or severe immunocompromised status.
Are adult vaccines free in Australia?
Some adult vaccines are free for eligible people under government-funded programs such as the National Immunisation Program. Others may require private payment — check current eligibility when booking.
Comments are closed