COVID-19 vaccination funding is changing from 1 October 2026.

From this date, COVID-19 vaccines will move to the Australian Government's National Immunisation Program (NIP). Free government-funded vaccines will be available to people at the highest risk of severe illness who meet the eligibility requirements outlined below.

Until 30 September 2026, the current COVID-19 vaccination arrangements continue.

COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available at Lygon Everyday Chemist in Brunswick East. Our pharmacist team can help you understand the upcoming changes, check your eligibilty and discuss the recommended timing of your next vaccination.

From 1 October 2026, free NIP-funded COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for:

• All adults aged 75 years and over: two doses per year, approximately six months apart
• Adults aged 65 to 74 years: one dose per year
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 to 74 years: one dose per year
• Adults aged 18 to 64 years with severe immunocompromise: one dose per year

People who are not eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine may still choose to purchase the vaccine privately following a discussion with a healthcare professional.

Private vaccine availability and pricing are subject to confirmation. Please speak with our pharmacist team to discuss your circumstances and current availability.

The government-funded eligibilty rules determine who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge. They are not necessarily the same as the clinical recommendations about who may benefit from vaccination.

COVID-19 continues to circulate within the community, with increased illness and hospitalisations often seen during periods of higher travel and social gatherings. 

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, updated COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available in line with current Australian vaccination recommendations.

The Pfizer COMIRNATY LP.8.1 COVID-19 vaccine is designed to align with recently circulating COVID-19 variants.

Vaccine brands and availability may change. Contact our team or check the booking system for current appointment availability.

COVID-19 vacciantion recommendations may vary depending on:

• Age
• Medical history
• Immunocompromise status
• Previous COVID-19 vaccinations
• Individual risk factors
• Current Australian vaccination advice

Under the guidance applying before 1 October 2026, vaccination timing may vary according to a person's age, individual circumstances and risk of severe illness.

From 1 October 2026, updated clinical guidance will apply alongside the new NIP funding arrangements. The Australian Immunisation Handbook is scheduled to be updated on that date.

Our pharmacists can discuss your circumstances, vaccination history and eligibilty. For personalised medical advice or more complex health conditions, you may also need to speak with your GP or specialist.

There are two seperate questions to consider:

Am I eligible for a free government-funded vaccine?

From 1 October 2026, funded eligibility will be limited to the specified groups at highest risk of severe disease.

Is a COVID-19 vaccination clincally recommended for me?

Clinical recommendations consider factors such as your age, medical history, vaccination history and individual risk of severe illness.

You may be clinically recommended to consider vaccination but not qualify for a free NIP-funded dose. In this situation, private vaccination may be an option following discussion with a healthcare professional, subject to supply and availability.

Vaccination can help reduce the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19. Whether and when another vaccination is appropriate will depend on your individual circumstances and current Australian health advice.

Speak with our pharmacist team if you are unsure about the timing of your next dose.

Benefits include:

• Convenient online booking
• Pharmacist-administered vaccinations
• Professional advice about funded eligibility
• Review of previous vaccination and timing
• Discussion of private vaccination options, where applicable
• The ability to receive certain other vaccines at the same appointment
• Local care without a long GP wait

We are proud to support the health and wellbeing of our local community.

What if I am not eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine?

People who are not eligible fora  free COVID-19 vaccine may still choose to purchase the vaccine privately following a discussion with a healthcare professional. Availability and pricing will depend on vaccine supply arrangements and availability at the time.

What applies before 1 October 2026?

The current COVID-19 vaccination funding arrangements remain in place until 30 September 2026. The new National Immunisation Program funding arrangements commence from 1 October 2026.

Are funded eligiblity and vaccination recommendations the same thing?

No. Government-funded eligiblity determines who can receive a COVID-19 vaccine free of charge under the National Immunisation Program. Clinical recommendations consider factors such as age, vaccination history, underlying medical conditions, immunocompromise status and individual risk of severe illness. A person may be recommended vaccination but not qualify for a funded vaccine.

Can COVID-19 and influenza (flu) vaccines be given at the same appointment?

For people aged five years and over, COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same appointment as influenza vaccines and many other vaccines where appropriate.

Where can I book a COVID-19 vaccination in Brunswick East?

COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available at:

Lygon Everyday Chemist

473-475 Lygon Street

Brunswick East VIC 3057

03 9386 6701

We welcome patients from Brunswick East, Carlton North, Fitzroy North and surrounding communities.

• COVID-19 vaccine moving to the National Immunisation Program - Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• COVID-19 vaccine NIP transition - Consumer Fact Sheet - Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• ATAGI statement on transition of COVID-19 Vaccines to the National Immunisation Program - Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• COVID-19 - Australian Immunisation Handbook

Last reviewed: September 2026

Reviewed by the pharmacist team at Lygon Everyday Chemist.

Important Information

The information on this page is general in nature and does not replace personalised advice from your doctor, pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional. Vaccination recommendations, eligiblity criteria and vaccine availabilty may change over time. Please speak with our pharmacist team if you require advice specific to your circumstances.

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