Most people think vaccinations are only for children. But vaccinations are just as important for adults. However, many adults don’t know what vaccines they need. Various life situations, and even different jobs, need different levels of protection. So, it’s good to know what vaccinations are recommended for you.
All adults
Regardless of your situation, you should get the influenza (flu) vaccine every year. As most of us know, the flu is a highly contagious and serious respiratory illness. It can even have deadly complications.
In 2025, every adult can receive free flu vaccinations under the Queensland Government's program until 30 September 2025.
Flu vaccination is most important for children aged 6 months to under five years, pregnant women, people 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and those with medical reasons that increase their risk.
Young adults
If you’re are less than 26 years of age and you didn’t get the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in your teens, you should get one now. It will help protect you against many types of the HPV virus that are linked to cervical and other cancers.
Mums-to-be and new parents
If you’re pregnant, it’s recommended you get the flu, RSV and whooping cough vaccinations to protect you and your baby. All vaccines recommended in pregnancy are free.
It is also recommended that anyone who might be in close contact with a newborn baby gets a whooping cough vaccine or a booster dose if they haven’t had one in the last 10 years.
Seniors
As we get older, it is harder for our immune system to fight off infections. Because of this, it’s important to keep our vaccinations up to date. Queenslanders aged 65 years and older are encouraged to receive their free vaccinations for influenza each year. Free shingles vaccines for those aged 65 years and older and pneumococcal vaccine for those aged 70 years and older are also available.
Boosters
Different vaccines are effective for varying lengths of time, so through life you’ll need an occasional booster (an extra dose of a vaccine that you’ve had before). Depending on your age and what vaccinations you had when you were younger, there are several diseases you may need boosters for. Speak with your GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider about booster vaccinations for you.
Catching up on missed vaccinations
If you missed childhood vaccinations, you should talk to your GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider about catching up.
If you were born during or since 1966, and you missed one or both of your measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccines, you’re eligible for free measles vaccination. If you are unsure, just ask you GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider.
Travelling overseas
If you’re heading overseas, you might need different vaccinations depending on where you’re going, and how long you’re staying. So, make sure you speak to your GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider about vaccinations between 6 to 12 weeks before your trip. You can also find vaccination information for specific countries at smarttraveller.gov.au.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
If you’re Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and you’re 50 or over, you should get free pneumococcal and shingles vaccination. You should also get free annual influenza vaccination.
Medically at-risk groups
Some people have a higher risk of infection, or they are more resistant to treatment (such as chemotherapy patients or those without a functioning spleen), so additional vaccinations can help support their immunity. If this is you, or if you are not sure about your situation, speak to your GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider.
Refugees and other humanitarian entrants
Refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age are eligible for free catch-up vaccines under the National Immunisation Program. If you don’t have a documented history of your vaccinations, you should speak to your GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider to plan a catch-up.
Workplaces
Some jobs, such as healthcare and emergency work, increase the risk of exposure to certain diseases or increase the risk of spreading diseases to vulnerable people. If this is you, you might need specific vaccinations to increase your immunity. Your workplace should be able to give you information about what you require and how to get them.
Find out more
It’s tricky remembering what vaccinations you’ve had and when you’re due for another. The Immunisation Schedule Queensland can guide you through what vaccinations are required to make sure you have the best protection through all stages of life. To find out what vaccinations you have had, you can click here. You can always speak to your GP, pharmacist or immunisation provider about which vaccines are recommended for you and when.