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Frequently asked questions
Resources and information
At a glance:
- Find out when you will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine and where your nearest vaccination centre is at the Eligibility Checker.
- There are five phases in the vaccine rollout and they focus on protecting the most vulnerable Australians first.
- The vaccine will be free for all Australian citizens, permanent residents, and most visa-holders.
- The vaccine will not be mandatory.
- You can find information on COVID-19 in languages other than English on the Department of Health website.
Updated 18 March 2021
When will the COVID-19 vaccine be rolled out in Australia?
The first group of Australians will start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine in February.
The Government’s priority is to protect our most vulnerable Australians first, and the frontline heroes who are protecting all of us. This includes aged care and disability care residents and workers, frontline health care workers, and quarantine and border workers.
For more information, see Australia’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout strategy.
Will the COVID-19 vaccine be free?
COVID-19 vaccines are free for everyone living in Australia.
How do I know that the COVID-19 vaccine is safe?
All vaccines are thoroughly tested for safety before they are approved for use in Australia. This includes careful analysis of clinical trial data, ingredients, chemistry, manufacturing and other factors. Read more about vaccine safety.
Do I have to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The COVID-19 vaccine will be voluntary and free. As safe and effective vaccines become available the Government will vaccinate as many Australians as possible for COVID-19. If you choose not to have a COVID-19 vaccine your eligibility for Government payments won’t be affected.
Do I need to provide consent for a COVID-19 vaccine?
Providing informed consent is required before getting each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Written consent is not mandatory and consent may be given verbally.
Vaccination providers may ask for written consent in some settings according to their normal practices.
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation has developed resources for patients and providers to help with providing informed consent to get a COVID-19 vaccination. This includes an optional consent form.
Will under 18s need to be vaccinated?
Vaccination of individuals under 18 will depend on the age groups for which each vaccine is approved. The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has been provisionally approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) for individuals 16 years and older.
Can I get the vaccine if I am pregnant?
The Australian Government has published a COVID-19 vaccination guide for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy.
It currently contains advice relating to the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine, and will be updated as advice on other vaccines becomes available.
Will I be exempt from quarantine/self-isolation if I am vaccinated?
Vaccination is not a silver bullet or a complete substitute for other public health interventions. Testing, contact tracing, quarantine and isolation will remain in place until evidence is established that the vaccination prevents transmission, and community coverage is achieved in Australia.
In Australia, mandatory quarantine with COVID-19 testing at regular intervals is still considered the best strategy for managing the potential public health risk posed by incoming travellers.
If favourable data on vaccination continues to be published over time, then this may trigger a decision as to whether there should be a scale back of other public health interventions.
Where can I find more information?
A full list of frequently asked questions relating to COVID-19 vaccines is available at the Health FAQs and International FAQs pages.
Further information on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout is available on the Department of Health website.