Compared to previous years, fewer people in the 65 years and over group have been vaccinated for influenza. Given this group’s higher risk of severe illness and hospitalisation from acute respiratory infection, they should remain a strong focus for general practices offering vaccination.
In addition to influenza vaccination, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccinations are also recommended and funded under the National Immunisation Program to prevent respiratory illness in older Queenslanders.
A clear recommendation from a trusted general practitioner (GP) remains one of the strongest predictors of vaccination uptake. Please continue to:
- undertake opportunistic reviews of vaccination status and administer recommended vaccinations during consultations
- identify patients with chronic disease or immunocompromise who may be eligible for vaccination
- discuss co-administration of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumococcal vaccines where appropriate.
Queensland’s Chief Health Officer has provided a brief video message for seniors, highlighting the importance of respiratory vaccination this winter.
Influenza
Until 30 September 2026, all Queenslanders six months of age and over are eligible for free influenza vaccination.
Vaccination against influenza is particularly important for people aged 65 years and over as this group are more vulnerable to severe disease. Fluad® is funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people in this age group.
RSV
From May 2026, the following groups became eligible for funded RSV vaccine (Arexvy brand only) under the NIP:
- all adults aged 75 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 60 years and over.
A single dose is funded for those eligible under the NIP. There are currently no clinical recommendations to support subsequent doses. If an individual has received vaccination with a privately purchased RSV vaccine prior to its addition under the NIP, there is no need for an additional dose.
More information about RSV vaccination can be found online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and on the Queensland Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program webpage.
COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccination remains important in reducing the risk of severe illness, particularly for higher-risk patients, and older people. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for:
- people aged 65 to 74 years every 12 months
- people aged 75 years and over every six months.
Queensland and Australian data show that having the recommended COVID-19 vaccines keeps older people out of hospital if they get infected with COVID-19.
More information on the current advice for COVID-19 boosters can be found online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and on the COVID-19 vaccine advice and recommendations webpage.
Pneumococcal
From 1 July 2026, changes to the NIP adult pneumococcal schedule include:
- transition from the current two-vaccine adult schedule using 13vPCV and 23vPPV, to a single vaccine approach.
- 21vPCV (Capvaxive®) will be funded for:
- adults with at-risk medical conditions aged 18 years and over
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 years and over
- all adults aged 65 years and over.
The new adult 21vPCV program, in addition to the 20vPCV paediatric program, will provide broader serotype coverage overall, and substantially simplify the schedule for providers.
More information relating to this change is available online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and on the Adult pneumococcal vaccination – Program advice for health professionals webpage.
In addition to the vaccinations recommended for seniors to protect against acute respiratory infections, shingles vaccination is funded under the NIP for protection against serious disease.
A two-dose course of Shingrix® is available for:
- people aged 65 years and over and for
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over.
Emerging research suggests shingles vaccination may also offer protection from both the onset and progression of dementia.
More information about shingles vaccination is available online in the Australian Immunisation Handbook and Australian Government Shingles Vaccine webpage.
Further information
Queensland Health’s Flu 2026 communication campaign is now active, supported by the Flu 2026 Stakeholder Communication Toolkit. Resources include updated patient messaging templates, downloadable posters, and practice flyers.
Additional information and helpful tools are available online:
- Influenza product selection tool
- 2026 influenza vaccination advice
- GP Influenza reimbursement form
- Updated Queensland Health guidance is available to support practices with billing, claiming and stock management throughout the influenza season.
Refer to the Australian Immunisation Handbook and Australian Government COVID-19 vaccine advice for current vaccine recommendations.