Service guide
Pharmacy vaccinations in Australia
1,572 pharmacies across Australia offer vaccinations. The list of vaccines a pharmacist can administer depends on state legislation and the pharmacist’s training.
Last reviewed: April 2026
General information only. This page explains a pharmacy service in general terms. It is not medical advice and does not replace a consultation with a registered health professional. See your pharmacist or GP for advice about your specific medicines or health.
At a glance
- Australian pharmacists can administer a growing list of vaccines, including seasonal flu and COVID-19.
- The full list varies by state and is set by state health departments.
- Eligibility (age, pregnancy status, conditions) is defined per vaccine by the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
- A pharmacy vaccination is usually bookable and often cheaper than a private GP appointment for the same vaccine.
What pharmacists can vaccinate for, in general
Pharmacist-administered vaccinations have expanded significantly over the past decade. Seasonal influenza is available in every state. COVID-19 boosters, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), pertussis (whooping cough), meningococcal, and shingles are available in many or all states. Travel vaccines (typhoid, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, for example) are available at pharmacies that offer a travel-health service.
The current list for each state sits with the state health department. The Australian Immunisation Handbook is the national clinical reference that sets age, eligibility, and dosing recommendations.
How state rules differ
State and territory legislation determines which vaccines a pharmacist can administer, which patient groups are eligible, and what training the pharmacist needs. As at April 2026, there are meaningful differences between states, particularly for children under 5, pregnancy-specific vaccines, and some of the newer travel vaccines.
Check your state health department for the current list. Links to each state’s health department are in the references block at the end of this page.
Who can receive a pharmacy vaccination
Eligibility depends on the vaccine and your state. For most adult vaccines, pharmacists vaccinate from age 5 or 18 (depending on the vaccine and state). Eligibility criteria like pregnancy, chronic conditions, or being a close contact of a newborn are set per vaccine in the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
If you have a complex medical history, a severe allergy history, or you are unsure whether a pharmacy vaccination is appropriate, speak with your GP first. Pharmacists will also refer you to a GP if your circumstances fall outside their scope.
How pharmacy vaccinations compare with GP vaccinations
Both pharmacists and GPs administer vaccines covered by the National Immunisation Program and the relevant state rules. The practical differences come down to access, cost, and scope: pharmacies often have walk-in or same-day booking availability while GPs usually require an appointment; for NIP-funded vaccines both settings may bulk-bill or charge a small administration fee, and for privately-purchased travel vaccines pharmacies are often competitive on price; GPs cover a broader range of vaccines and can assess complex medical histories, while pharmacists cover the vaccines their state legislation permits.
How to book a pharmacy vaccination
Most vaccinating pharmacies accept walk-ins and online bookings. Open the pharmacy vaccinations directory, filter by state or city, and phone the pharmacy to confirm availability of the specific vaccine and to book.
Bring your Medicare card, your vaccination history (the Australian Immunisation Register record, via the Medicare app or Services Australia), and any relevant GP letters if you have been referred.
Find a pharmacy that offers pharmacy vaccinations
1,572 pharmacies in the directory list this service. Filter by state or city.
View the directoryFrequently asked questions
Vaccines administered by a trained pharmacist follow the same clinical protocols as those administered by a GP. Pharmacists who vaccinate complete state-approved training and are required to manage anaphylaxis on site.
In most states, yes. Eligibility for pregnant patients is defined in the Australian Immunisation Handbook. Confirm with the pharmacy before booking; some prefer to refer pregnant patients to a GP.
Medicare covers the cost of vaccines under the National Immunisation Program when administered by an eligible provider, which includes pharmacists in most states. A small administration or consultation fee may still apply.
Depends on age and state. As at April 2026, several states allow pharmacist vaccinations from age 5 for some vaccines. Check your state health department for the current list.
When to speak to a health professional
For complex medical histories, anaphylaxis risk, or vaccines outside a pharmacist’s state scope, see your GP. healthdirect’s nurse line on 1800 022 222 can help triage whether a pharmacy or GP appointment is the right fit.
- Emergency: call triple zero (000).
- 24-hour health advice: healthdirect on 1800 022 222.
- Poisoning: Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.
- Mental health: Lifeline on 13 11 14.