A 2026 guide for Brunswick East, Carlton North and our surrounding community

One of the most common questions we hear at Lygon Everyday Chemist is:

“Which vaccinations can I get at no charge from my local pharmacy?”

Many patients are still surprised to learn that trained pharmacist immunisers can provide a broad range of government-funded vaccinations to eligible people.

Depending on your age, medical history, pregnancy status and previous vaccination history, you may be able to receive vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal disease, shingles, measles, mumps and rubella, and whooping cough at your community pharmacy.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, we have cared for the Brunswick East, Carlton North and surrounding communities for decades. Since 2021, our pharmacist vaccination team has administered more than 7,000 vaccinations to local patients.

We are pharmacists, so we understand both vaccines and medicines. When you visit us, we look beyond a single injection. We can review your vaccination history, discuss your health and medicines, check your eligibility and help make sure you are up to date.

Why staying up to date with vaccination matters

Vaccination is not only important during winter.

Influenza, COVID-19 and RSV commonly circulate during the cooler months, but other vaccine-preventable illnesses—including shingles, pneumococcal disease, measles and whooping cough—can occur throughout the year.

While some infections are mild, they can cause serious complications in older people, pregnant women, young children and people living with chronic medical conditions.

Complications may include:

• Pneumonia
• Breathing difficulties
• Hospitalisation

• Sepsis
• Meningitis
• Long-lasting nerve pain after shingles
• Serious illness in newborn babies
• Worsening of existing heart, lung or kidney conditions

Vaccination can reduce the likelihood of severe illness and help protect vulnerable members of your family and community.

Which vaccinations may be available at no charge?

Eligibility varies between vaccines. The following is a general guide based on the National Immunisation Program and Victorian Government-funded programs.

Influenza vaccination

Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over.

The influenza vaccine is available at no charge under the National Immunisation Program for eligible groups, including:

• Adults aged 65 years and over
• Children aged six months to under five years
• Pregnant women
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged six months and over
• People aged six months and over with eligible medical risk conditions

Medical conditions that may qualify someone for a funded influenza vaccine include certain cardiac, respiratory, neurological, metabolic, kidney and immune conditions.

People who are not eligible for a funded vaccine can still receive a private influenza vaccination at the pharmacy.

COVID-19 vaccination

COVID-19 vaccines are available at no charge in Australia, including for people who do not have a Medicare card.

The recommended timing of COVID-19 doses depends on factors such as:

• Your age
• Your previous COVID-19 vaccinations
• Whether you are immunocompromised
• Your risk of becoming seriously unwell

Older adults and people with severe immunocompromise may be advised to receive more frequent doses.

Our pharmacists can check your vaccination record and help determine whether you are currently due.

RSV vaccination

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly called RSV, is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults and young babies.

Funded RSV vaccination is available under the National Immunisation Program for:

• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over
• Pregnant women, generally between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy

Vaccinating during pregnancy helps protect the baby during the first vulnerable months of life.

A single RSV vaccination is currently recommended for eligible older adults. Recommendations about future repeat doses may change as more evidence becomes available.

Pneumococcal vaccination

Pneumococcal disease is caused by bacteria and can lead to serious conditions including:

• Pneumonia
• Bloodstream infection and sepsis
• Meningitis

From 1 July 2026, a newer pneumococcal vaccine became available through the National Immunisation Program for eligible adults.

Funded pneumococcal vaccination is available for:

• Adults aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and over
• Some younger adults with eligible medical risk conditions

People who previously received an older pneumococcal vaccine may also be recommended to receive the newer vaccine, generally at least 12 months after their previous dose.

Because pneumococcal recommendations depend on age, medical conditions and previous vaccine brands, this is an area where checking your vaccination history is particularly useful.

Shingles vaccination

Shingles occurs when the chickenpox virus, which remains in the body after an earlier infection, becomes active again.

It can cause a painful blistering rash and long-lasting nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia.

A two-dose course of the Shingrix vaccine is available at no charge for:

• Adults aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over
• People aged 18 years and over with certain immunocompromising conditions or treatments

The timing of the second dose usually depends on whether the person is immunocompetent or immunocompromised.

Previous shingles vaccination can also affect eligibility and timing, so please let us know if you have previously received Zostavax or Shingrix.

Measles, mumps and rubella vaccination

Measles is highly contagious and continues to cause outbreaks in Australia and overseas.

In Victoria, funded measles, mumps and rubella vaccination is available for people born during or after 1966 who do not have evidence of two valid doses of a measles-containing vaccine or evidence of immunity.

Many adults born between 1966 and 1992 may have received only one dose during childhood and may remain insufficiently protected.

Two valid doses, given at least 28 days apart, are generally required for optimal protection.

This is especially important for people planning overseas travel, as measles remains common in many countries.

MMR is a live vaccine and is not suitable for everyone, including some pregnant or immunocompromised people. Our pharmacists will assess suitability before vaccination.

Whooping cough vaccination during pregnancy

Whooping cough, also called pertussis, can be especially dangerous for newborn babies.

Vaccination during pregnancy allows protective antibodies to pass from the mother to the baby before birth.

Funded whooping cough vaccination is available during each eligible pregnancy and is generally recommended between 20 and 32 weeks, although it can be given later if it has not already been received.

Partners, grandparents and other close family members may also benefit from a whooping cough booster, although vaccination for these family members may be privately funded.

Do medical conditions affect vaccine eligibility?

Yes. Vaccine eligibility is not based only on age.

People with certain medical conditions may qualify for additional funded vaccinations or may have a stronger clinical recommendation to be vaccinated.

Relevant conditions can include:

• Heart disease
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Severe asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Diabetes
• Chronic kidney disease
• Chronic liver disease
• Neurological conditions
• Some blood disorders
• Cancer
• A weakened immune system
• Treatment with immunosuppressive or immune-modifying medicines
• Absence or poor function of the spleen

The exact criteria differ for each vaccine.

A person may qualify for one funded vaccine because of a medical condition but not automatically qualify for every vaccine. Our pharmacists can review your circumstances and explain the options.

Can the pharmacist check my vaccination history?

Yes.

When you visit Lygon Everyday Chemist, our authorised pharmacists can access your vaccination history through the Australian Immunisation Register, commonly called the AIR.

The AIR is Australia’s national electronic register of vaccinations reported by recognised vaccination providers.

It can help us:

• See which vaccinations have been recorded
• Check the dates and brands of previous vaccines
• Identify possible gaps
• Determine whether enough time has passed before another dose
• Avoid unnecessary duplication
• Check whether you may be eligible for a funded vaccination

This is particularly useful if you cannot remember when you last received a flu, COVID-19, shingles, pneumococcal, whooping cough or other vaccination.

Vaccinations given in Australia in recent years are more likely to appear on the register. However, some older vaccinations—particularly adult vaccinations given before the AIR became a whole-of-life register in 2016—may not be recorded.

Vaccines received overseas may also be missing unless appropriate documentation has been provided and the vaccination has been added to the AIR.

Where possible, bring any old vaccination cards, overseas records or medical documents with you. We can compare those records with your AIR history and help work out what may be recommended next.

Why have your vaccination at a community pharmacy?

Community pharmacists are among Australia’s most accessible healthcare professionals.

At Lygon Everyday Chemist, our trained pharmacist immunisers can:

• Check your Australian Immunisation Register history
• Review your age and medical conditions
• Ask about allergies and previous vaccine reactions
• Review medicines that may affect vaccination decisions
• Check your eligibility for funded vaccines
• Explain expected side effects
• Administer several vaccines during the same appointment when appropriate
• Record your vaccination on the Australian Immunisation Register
• Remind you when another dose may be due
• Refer you to your GP or specialist when your needs are more complex

For many vaccinations, you do not need a prescription or a separate GP appointment.

However, pharmacy vaccination does not replace the important role of your GP. People with complex medical histories, unclear diagnoses, previous serious vaccine reactions or significant immune suppression may require further medical assessment.

Common questions patients ask us

Can pharmacists give the pneumonia vaccine?

Yes. Appropriately trained pharmacist immunisers in Victoria can administer pneumococcal vaccines to eligible patients.

Because the pneumococcal program changed in July 2026, it is helpful to bring any information about previous pneumococcal vaccinations. We can also check the Australian Immunisation Register.

Is the pneumonia vaccine the same as the pneumococcal vaccine?

People often call it the “pneumonia vaccine,” but its correct name is the pneumococcal vaccine.

It protects against infections caused by pneumococcal bacteria, which can cause pneumonia as well as sepsis and meningitis.

It does not protect against every possible cause of pneumonia.

Is the RSV vaccine available at no charge?

Yes, for eligible groups.

Funded RSV vaccination is available for adults aged 75 years and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over, and eligible pregnant women.

People outside these groups may still be able to receive an RSV vaccination privately after discussing suitability and cost with the pharmacist.

Can I receive more than one vaccination on the same day?

In many cases, yes.

Vaccines such as influenza, COVID-19, RSV, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines can often be given during the same appointment.

They are usually administered at different injection sites.

Your pharmacist will consider your age, health, previous reactions and personal preference before making a recommendation.

Will having several vaccines together overload my immune system?

No. The immune system encounters thousands of antigens through everyday life.

Receiving more than one recommended vaccine at the same visit does not overload the immune system.

Some people may prefer to separate vaccines because of previous side effects or personal comfort. We can discuss the benefits and disadvantages of either approach.

Can I be vaccinated if I take regular medicines?

Usually, yes.

Most commonly used medicines do not prevent vaccination.

However, some treatments can affect the timing, safety or effectiveness of particular vaccines. These include:

• High-dose corticosteroids
• Chemotherapy
• Some biological medicines
• Transplant medicines
• Other immunosuppressive treatments

Because we are pharmacists, we can review your medicines as part of the vaccination assessment.

Never stop a prescribed medicine in preparation for vaccination unless your doctor has specifically advised you to do so.

Can I be vaccinated if I am taking antibiotics?

In many cases, yes.

Taking an antibiotic does not automatically mean that vaccination must be delayed.

The more important issue is how unwell you are. A mild infection without a significant fever may not prevent vaccination, while moderate or severe acute illness may mean it is better to wait until you have recovered.

Your pharmacist can assess this on the day.

Can I be vaccinated if I have a cold?

A mild cold is not usually a reason to postpone vaccination.

However, if you have a significant fever, breathing difficulty, are acutely unwell or may be infectious, please contact us before attending.

This helps protect both you and other patients.

Do I need to wait after having COVID-19 or influenza?

You should generally wait until you have recovered from the acute illness and are no longer required to isolate or avoid contact with others.

The ideal timing of your next COVID-19 dose may also depend on when you last had COVID-19.

Our pharmacists can help you determine the appropriate timing.

Do I need an appointment?

Appointments are recommended because they allow us to prepare the appropriate vaccine and reduce waiting time.

Walk-in vaccinations may be available, depending on vaccine stock and pharmacist availability.

When booking online, select Vaccination and then choose the most appropriate service from the menu.

What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring:

• Your Medicare card, if you have one
• Details of any previous serious vaccine reactions
• A list of your current medicines if they are not already in our system
• Any overseas or older vaccination records
• Information about previous pneumococcal or shingles vaccines, if known

Wear clothing that allows easy access to your upper arm.

Are vaccines completely free?

Government-funded vaccines are supplied at no charge to eligible people through participating providers.

Eligibility rules apply, and not every vaccine is funded for every person.

Private vaccines are also available for people who are recommended to be vaccinated but do not meet the government-funded criteria.

Please ask us about eligibility and any potential private cost before vaccination.

Can I get vaccinated without a Medicare card?

This depends on the vaccination program.

COVID-19 vaccinations are available at no charge to people in Australia, including those without a Medicare card.

Eligibility for many National Immunisation Program vaccines is linked to Medicare eligibility. However, Victoria also funds some additional programs, including MMR vaccination for eligible people born during or after 1966, including some people without Medicare.

Our pharmacists can check the program that applies to you.

I am healthy. Do I still need vaccinations?

Being healthy reduces some risks, but it does not prevent all vaccine-preventable illnesses.

Some vaccines are recommended according to age because the immune system and risk of complications change over time.

Vaccination may also help protect:

• Newborn babies
• Older relatives
• Pregnant family members
• People undergoing cancer treatment
• People with chronic illnesses
• Friends or family members with weakened immune systems

I had a vaccine years ago. Do I need another one?

Possibly.

Some vaccinations are given every year, such as influenza. Others may be recommended at regular intervals or at particular ages.

Some require a multi-dose course, while others may only be required once.

Recommendations can also change when newer vaccines become available. This is currently relevant to pneumococcal vaccination.

Checking your AIR history is the easiest place to start.

You do not need to know which vaccination you need before you visit

Many patients delay vaccination because they are unsure what they have previously received or what they are currently eligible for.

You do not need to work that out alone.

When you visit Lygon Everyday Chemist, our pharmacists can:

Whether you live in Brunswick East, Carlton North, Brunswick, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill or the surrounding suburbs, our local team is here to help you stay protected.

Since 2021, we have administered more than 7,000 vaccinations in our community. We are proud to provide convenient, professional vaccination care from pharmacists who know medicines and take the time to understand the person receiving them.

Book your vaccination

Book online and select Vaccination from the service menu:

www.lygoneverydaychemist.com.au/book-now

You are also welcome to speak with our team in store or call us on 03 9386 6701.

Lygon Everyday Chemist
473–475 Lygon Street, Brunswick East
Here for Good. Every Day.

Important information

This article provides general information and was current in July 2026. Vaccination recommendations, eligibility rules and government-funded programs can change.

Suitability is assessed individually before vaccination. This information does not replace personalised advice from your pharmacist, GP or other healthcare professional.

References

• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. National Immunisation Program and immunisation for adults. 
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Winter vaccinations. 
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. 2026 influenza vaccination program advice. 
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. COVID-19 vaccination advice and recommendations. 
• Australian Immunisation Handbook. Respiratory syncytial virus vaccination recommendations. 
• Australian Immunisation Handbook. Pneumococcal disease and adult pneumococcal vaccination. 
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Shingles vaccination. 
• Victorian Department of Health. National Immunisation Program and state-funded vaccines for adults. 
• Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. Australian Immunisation Register. 
• Victorian Department of Health. Pharmacist immunisers and the Victorian Pharmacist-Administered Vaccination Program.