Power Up Your Health
Small action. Big protection.
Protect yourself and the ones you love with essential vaccinations, available at your local IPA pharmacy.
Why vaccinate?
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect against serious illness. Staying up to date helps to:
Reduce your risk
Lower your chance of serious illness, hospitalisation and complications.
Protect others
Help shield babies, older relatives and people with weaker immune systems.
Fewer sick days
Less time off work, school and the things you enjoy.
Ease pressure on health services
Less preventable illness means more capacity for people who need care.
Vaccines at your local pharmacy
Speak to your local IPA pharmacist about which vaccinations are right for you.
Flu (influenza)
Recommended every year for everyone aged 6 months and over. The vaccine is updated annually to match circulating strains.
COVID-19
Helps reduce the risk of severe illness. Ask your pharmacist whether you're due for a dose.
Whooping cough
Recommended during pregnancy and for people who spend time around young babies.
Pneumococcal
Helps protect against pneumonia and related infections. Recommended for older Australians and some at-risk groups.
Shingles
Helps protect against shingles and its complications, which become more common as we age.
Travel vaccines
Heading overseas? Your pharmacist can check which vaccines are recommended for your destination.
Vaccines available, and age limits for pharmacist vaccination, vary by state and pharmacy.
Who should get vaccinated?
Vaccination is recommended at every stage of life, but it's especially important if you are:
- Aged 65 or over
- Pregnant
- Living with a chronic health condition
- A healthcare or aged care worker
- Caring for young children or older family members
- An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
- Planning overseas travel
Don't forget the kids. Children aged 5 to 15 have some of the lowest vaccination rates in Australia. Keeping them up to date helps protect the whole family.
Free vaccines: are you eligible?
Many Australians can get free vaccines under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and state and territory programs.
You may be eligible for free vaccines if you are:
- Aged 65 or over
- A child or teenager on the childhood immunisation schedule
- Pregnant, at any stage of pregnancy
- An Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person
- Living with certain medical conditions
State and territory programs
Some states offer additional free vaccines. Programs vary and change from year to year.
Your local IPA pharmacist can confirm your eligibility and any current offers.
Other ways to stop the spread
Vaccination works best alongside a few simple habits.
Wash your hands
Regular handwashing with soap and water is one of the simplest ways to stop germs spreading.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Use a tissue or your elbow, then bin the tissue and wash your hands.
Stay home if you're unwell
Rest and recover before returning to work, school or social plans.
Look after your health
Good nutrition, regular activity and quality sleep all support your immune system.
Book your vaccination
Find your nearest IPA pharmacy below to book an appointment.