Your health matters. Your eligibility might surprise you.

Did you know you could be eligible for vaccinations at no charge — even if you’re under 65?

Perhaps you’re living with diabetes, heart disease, asthma or another chronic medical condition. Maybe you’re taking medication that affects your immune system, or simply wondering whether your vaccinations are up to date.

The good news? You may qualify for more protection than you realise.

During 2026, Australia introduced important changes to vaccination recommendations and eligibility under the National Immunisation Program (NIP), including new COVID-19 funding arrangements from 1 October and changes to pneumococcal vaccinations from July.

But there’s one important thing to remember: Just because a vaccination is recommended doesn’t necessarily mean it’s funded under the NIP.

Confusing? It certainly can be! That’s why, at Lygon Everyday Chemist in Brunswick East, we’ve made it easier.

Protecting your health at every stage of life.

Vaccinations aren’t just for children or overseas travellers. They’re an important part of looking after your health throughout life. Depending on your age, medical history and circumstances, some may be available at no charge.

Healthy ageing — staying active, independent and well

We all want to enjoy life, spend time with family, travel and remain independent for as long as possible. As we get older, our immune system changes, making some infections more difficult to fight.

Did you know? From age 65, eligible Australians can receive vaccinations at no charge against influenza, COVID-19, shingles and pneumococcal disease. From age 75, RSV vaccination is also funded under the NIP.

These vaccinations help reduce the risk of serious illness, complications and hospitalisation. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults may qualify for certain vaccinations at earlier ages.

It’s worth checking your vaccination history — even if you’re feeling perfectly healthy.

Living with diabetes, heart disease or a respiratory condition?

You don’t have to be elderly to be at increased risk from infections.

People living with diabetes, coronary artery disease, COPD or severe asthma may be more vulnerable to complications from illnesses such as influenza and pneumococcal disease.

For example:

• People with diabetes or coronary artery disease may qualify for annual influenza vaccination at no charge.
• People with COPD may qualify for both influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations at no charge.
• People with severe asthma may qualify for funded influenza vaccination.

Different vaccines have different eligibility rules, so one condition doesn’t automatically qualify you for every vaccine.

The important thing is knowing what protection is recommended for you. A conversation with our pharmacists can help.

Taking medication that affects your immune system?

Many people take medicines to manage rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, psoriasis or certain cancers. Some treatments reduce the body’s ability to fight infections.

Medicines such as Humira (adalimumab), methotrexate and rituximab may influence which vaccinations are recommended and whether they’re funded.

Some people with reduced immunity may qualify for shingles, influenza, COVID-19 or pneumococcal vaccination at no charge. Eligibility depends on the condition, medicine, dose and degree of immune suppression.

You don’t need to interpret complicated medical guidelines yourself. Our pharmacists can review your medicines, medical history and vaccination recommendations with you.

Pregnancy — protecting you and your baby

Pregnancy is an important time to review vaccination protection.

Eligible pregnant women can receive influenza, whooping cough and maternal RSV vaccinations at no charge. These can help protect both mother and baby, including during the early months of life.

Our pharmacists can help explain which vaccinations are recommended and the most appropriate timing.

What’s changed in 2026?

Australia’s vaccination programs evolve as vaccines and recommendations change.

In July 2026, the adult pneumococcal vaccination program changed, expanding access for some age and medical-risk groups.

From 1 October 2026, COVID-19 vaccines moved into the National Immunisation Program, with specific funding criteria based on age and severe immunocompromise.

Influenza and shingles vaccinations each have their own eligibility rules. You may qualify for one vaccination at no charge but not another.

And that’s where we can help.

We’ve made vaccination advice easier

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we believe healthcare should be personal, practical and easy to understand.

Our pharmacists have developed a simple vaccination eligibility guide based on the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Rather than expecting you to work everything out yourself, we can help by:

• Reviewing your vaccination history and age.
• Considering your medical conditions and medicines.
• Identifying which vaccinations may be recommended.
• Checking which vaccines you’re eligible to receive at no charge.
• Explaining private options and costs.

Our goal isn’t simply to provide a vaccination. It’s to help you understand how to protect your health.

If a recommended vaccine isn’t funded through the NIP, it may still be available privately. We’ll explain the retail price and any administration fee before proceeding.

Not sure which vaccinations you need? Let’s find out together.

You might be up to date. You might need a booster. Or you might discover you’re eligible for vaccinations at no charge that you didn’t know about.

Whatever your circumstances, we’re here to make it easier.

Book a general immunisation consultation online with Lygon Everyday Chemist. Our pharmacists can review your vaccination needs, explain your options and guide you towards appropriate protection.

BOOK YOUR IMMUNISATION CONSULTATION ONLINE 

Lygon Everyday Chemist
473–475 Lygon Street, Brunswick East, Melbourne
Phone: (03) 9386 6701

Don’t miss out on important health updates

Vaccination recommendations change, new services become available and sometimes you may qualify for protection without realising it.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, or connect through the MedAdvisor pharmacy app, for vaccination news, practical health advice, reminders and updates about services that may benefit you and your family.

Because looking after your health isn’t something we do just once. It’s something we do together.

Lygon Everyday Chemist — Here for Good.

Trusted information

Australian Immunisation Handbook: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/
Victorian NIP and state-funded adult vaccines: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/national-immunisation-program-nip-and-state-funded-vaccines-for-adults
COVID-19 Victorian guidance: https://www.health.vic.gov.au/immunisation/covid-19-vaccine
Influenza Handbook: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/influenza-flu
Pneumococcal Handbook: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/pneumococcal-disease
Shingles Handbook: https://immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au/contents/vaccine-preventable-diseases/zoster-herpes-zoster

Information reviewed 16 October 2026. Recommendations and funding are subject to change; individual eligibility is confirmed by clinical assessment and current government guidance.