Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.
General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.
Many vaccines are free at a Queensland pharmacy if you have a Medicare card and fit the eligible group. In 2026 that includes the flu vaccine for people aged 65 and over and during pregnancy, the new RSV vaccine for people aged 75 and over, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines for older adults, and catch-up vaccines for teenagers and young adults. The two biggest changes this year: COVID-19 vaccines are no longer free for everyone, and Queensland’s free flu program for all ages finished on 30 September 2026.
At Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair, if a vaccine is free for you, we give it completely free. There’s no service fee. Our pharmacist immunisers vaccinate people aged 5 and over, and you can walk in or book a time. See vaccinations at Pacific Fair for how it works.
What changed in 2026?
- COVID-19 vaccines moved onto the National Immunisation Program (NIP) on 1 October 2026. They’re now free only for older adults and some higher-risk groups (see the table below). Anyone else can choose to pay for one privately.
- Queensland’s free flu program has ended. It ran from 1 March to 30 September 2026 and covered everyone aged 6 months and over. The flu vaccine is still free under the NIP for eligible people.
- A free RSV vaccine for older adults. It’s now free for people aged 75 and over, and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over.
- Simpler pneumococcal vaccination for adults. Since 1 July 2026, most eligible adults need just one dose of the newer pneumococcal vaccine.
Which vaccines are free at the pharmacy?
This table covers the free vaccines our pharmacists can give to people aged 5 and over in Queensland. Eligibility is based on national and Queensland Government advice as at October 2026.
| Vaccine | Free for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Flu | People aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with certain medical conditions | Every year. People aged 65 and over get an enhanced vaccine. See flu vaccination at Pacific Fair. |
| COVID-19 | People aged 75 and over (2 doses a year, about 6 months apart); people aged 65 to 74 (1 dose a year); Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 to 74 (1 dose a year); adults aged 18 to 64 with a severely weakened immune system (1 dose a year) | Anyone else can buy it privately. |
| Whooping cough | Pregnant women, in every pregnancy | Ideally between 20 and 32 weeks. See whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy. |
| RSV (pregnancy) | Pregnant women from 28 weeks (ideally by 36 weeks) | One dose, to help protect your baby in their first months. Ask us about later pregnancies. |
| RSV (older adults) | People aged 75 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60 and over | One dose. Other people aged 60 to 74 can buy it privately. |
| Shingles | People aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and adults with certain conditions that severely weaken the immune system | 2 doses. See who can get the shingles vaccine free. |
| Pneumococcal | People aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 25 and over, and people with certain medical conditions | Usually one dose, at least 12 months after any earlier pneumococcal vaccine. |
| HPV | People under 26 who missed it at school | One dose for most people. |
| Meningococcal ACWY | Catch-up up to and including age 19 | Usually given in Year 10 at school. |
| Meningococcal B | Queensland residents aged 15 to under 20 (a Queensland Government program) | 2 doses at least 8 weeks apart. Start before you turn 20 and the second dose is still free. |
| Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) | Anyone born in or after 1966 without records of 2 doses (a Queensland Government program) | 2 doses at least 4 weeks apart. Worth checking before overseas travel. |
| Childhood catch-up vaccines | People under 20 who missed vaccines on the NIP schedule, such as hepatitis B or chickenpox | Start before 20 and you can finish the course free. |
Not sure which group you’re in? Tell us your age, whether you’re pregnant, and any medical conditions, and we’ll check for you before you’re vaccinated.
Do I need a Medicare card?
For NIP vaccines, yes: you need to have a Medicare card or be eligible for one. Some visitors from countries with a reciprocal health care agreement with Australia are eligible too. Refugees and humanitarian entrants of any age can also get free catch-up vaccines.
Queensland’s meningococcal B program is different. It isn’t linked to Medicare, but it’s only for Queensland residents.
If you’re not eligible for a free vaccine, you can still be vaccinated with us for a private fee. You’ll see the current price when you book online, or ask us in store.
Which vaccines aren’t free?
Common vaccines that you’ll usually pay for include:
- most travel vaccines, such as hepatitis A and typhoid (see our travel health page);
- the flu vaccine for healthy adults under 65 now that Queensland’s 2026 program has ended;
- COVID-19 vaccines for anyone outside the free groups;
- the RSV vaccine for people aged 60 to 74 who aren’t Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander;
- the shingles vaccine for people aged 50 to 64 who aren’t in a free group;
- whooping cough boosters for adults who aren’t pregnant;
- meningococcal B for people aged 20 and over, unless a medical condition makes them eligible.
How do I get my free vaccine at Pacific Fair?
- Walk in or book. Walk in any day we’re open, or book a time online if you’d rather not wait.
- Bring your Medicare card. It lets us confirm you’re eligible for a free vaccine.
- Tell us about you. We’ll ask about your health, allergies, any pregnancy, past vaccines and whether you’re unwell today.
- Have your vaccine. It’s given in our private consultation area. You may be able to have more than one vaccine at the same visit.
- Wait 15 minutes. We’ll ask you to stay in store for 15 minutes afterwards, just in case of a reaction.
- It’s recorded for you. Every vaccine is recorded on the Australian Immunisation Register, so it shows in your immunisation history in myGov.
Coming in for a specific vaccine? It’s worth calling us on (07) 5592 2099 to check it’s in stock.
When to see a pharmacist or GP
Talk to your pharmacist if you’re not sure which vaccines are due, or whether you’re eligible for a free one. We can look through your immunisation history with you.
See your GP if you have a weakened immune system, a complex medical condition, or if you’ve had a serious reaction to a vaccine before. We vaccinate from age 5, so children under 5 will need to see a GP or immunisation clinic. Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, can help.
After any vaccine, see your GP if a side effect worries you or doesn’t settle. In an emergency, call 000.
Frequently asked questions
Is the COVID-19 vaccine still free?
Only for some people. Since 1 October 2026 it’s free for people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 to 74, and adults aged 18 to 64 with a severely weakened immune system. Anyone else can choose to pay for a dose privately. Talk to us about whether a dose is worthwhile for you.
Is the flu vaccine still free in Queensland?
It’s free under the NIP for people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with certain medical conditions. Queensland’s free flu vaccine for everyone ran from 1 March to 30 September 2026. Read more in when to get your flu shot in Queensland.
I’m 70. Which vaccines are free for me?
At 70, you can usually have a free flu vaccine every year and one free COVID-19 dose a year. Depending on what you’ve had before, you may also be able to have a free pneumococcal vaccine and a free 2-dose shingles course. The free RSV vaccine starts at 75, but you can buy it privately. Bring your Medicare card and we’ll check your immunisation history.
I’m pregnant. Which vaccines are free?
The flu vaccine (at any stage), whooping cough vaccine (ideally between 20 and 32 weeks) and RSV vaccine (from 28 weeks, ideally by 36 weeks) are all free in pregnancy. Talk to your midwife, GP or pharmacist about timing, then walk in or book a time with us.
Can I have more than one vaccine at the same visit?
Often, yes. Tell us what’s due and your pharmacist will check which vaccines can be given together.
Do you charge a fee for free vaccines?
No. If a vaccine is free for you, we give it completely free, with no service fee.
Not sure what you’re due for? Bring your Medicare card and walk in, or book a vaccination at Pacific Fair.
Sources
- Australian Government – Adult vaccinations brochure (June 2026)
- Australian Government – COVID-19 vaccine NIP transition: information for consumers (September 2026)
- Australian Government – RSV vaccination for older people: consumer fact sheet (May 2026)
- Australian Government – Getting vaccinated
- Pharmacy Programs Administrator – National Immunisation Program Vaccinations in Pharmacy (NIPVIP) Program
- Queensland Health – Queensland Meningococcal B Vaccination Program
- Queensland Government – Measles
- Queensland Health – Flu facts (2026 free flu vaccination program)
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Book your vaccination at Pacific Fair
Walk in any day we’re open, or book a time online so you don’t have to wait. We’re on the ground floor of Pacific Fair (Pac Fair), Broadbeach, open 7 days and until 9pm on Thursdays. Park in the Orange car park, directly under us. Gate 7 is the closest entry, and the first 4 hours are free.