COVID-19 2025 dose recommendations

ATAGI has updated its recommendations for a the COVID-19 vaccine, vaccination remains the most important measure to protect those at risk of severe disease from COVID-19.  The updated recommendations for 2025 are:

ATAGI recommends a dose of COVID-19 vaccine for adults aged ≥75 years every 6 months.

ATAGI recommends the following groups receive a dose of COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, and can consider a dose every 6 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:

• Adults aged 65—74 years

• Adults aged 18—64 years with severe immunocompromise

The following groups can consider a COVID-19 vaccine every 12 months, based on a risk-benefit assessment:

• All other adults aged 18—64 years

• Children and adolescents aged 5—<18 years with severe immunocompromise

Although there is minimal benefit from having a COVID-19 vaccine dose soon after infection, it is challenging for many individuals to know if they have had a recent infection. In these circumstances it is appropriate to proceed with a further dose where recommended.

• COVID-19 vaccines can be co-administered (given on the same day) with any other vaccine for people aged ≥5 years.

• COVID-19 vaccines remain funded for eligible individuals

To assess your eligibility please discuss with your GP or specialist. Click on this link for further information.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV is a virus that causes upper and lower respiratory tract infection. RSV infection can cause severe disease, particularly in very young and older people. Anyone who wants to protect themselves against RSV can talk to their health professional about getting vaccinated.

The Australian Immunisation Handbook recommends RSV vaccination for specific groups including:

• women at 28 to 36 weeks pregnancy
• infants and children under 2 years of age
  • whose mothers were not vaccinated at least 2 weeks before delivery, or
  • who are at increased risk of severe disease, or
  • who have medical conditions or circumstances that increase their risk of RSV disease
• First Nations people aged 60 years and over
• people aged 60 years and over with medical conditions that increase their risk of severe RSV disease
• people aged 75 years and over

RSV vaccines are recommended for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 years and over, people with medical risk conditions aged 60 and over, and adults aged 75 years and over. People aged 60 to 74 years may consider RSV vaccination.

Currently, there are no RSV vaccines funded through the National Immunisation Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, people with medical risk conditions or older people.

You can purchase RSV vaccines privately, but you may need a prescription, and you cannot be reimbursed through the National Immunisation Program. Speak with your GP or specialist for more information. Click on this link for further information.

Information resources

Australian Government Department of Health

The Melbourne Vaccine Education Centre (MVEC) have created a video explaining how the COVID-19 vaccines were developed quickly and safely.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) provides information on the risk of clotting conditions in relation to COVID-19 vaccines.

The Australian Technical Advisory Group for Immunisations (ATAGI) provides information on the risk of clotting conditions in people with a history of clots, in relation to the COVID-19 vaccines.

Watch a video of Professor Michelle Giles, an Infectious Diseases physician and immunisation expert, discussing COVID-19 vaccinations and fertility.

COVID-19 FAQs

Am I at greater risk of side effects from coronavirus infection?
For people without a functioning spleen, viral infections such as influenza and COVID-19 can lead to a secondary bacterial infection (e.g. pneumonia), this would be what we are concerned about. All patients registered with Spleen Australia are recommended to have COVID vaccines (any type), as per ATAGI guidelines, to provide effective protection from the virus.  

When should I take my emergency supply of antibiotics?
Do not take your emergency antibiotics if you have symptoms of a viral infection. Get your symptoms assessed ASAP by your GP (eg. telehealth appointment) to determine if your symptoms are COVID related or a bacterial infection (or both). If the doctor feels your symptoms are due to a bacterial infection you will probably be prescribed a course of antibiotics. If you cannot get to see a doctor promptly (within a few hours) and feel very unwell, take your emergency supply of antibiotics. When you do get to see a doctor tell them what you have taken.

Last updated 16/4/2025