National Immunisation Program

Free Vaccines.
Are You Eligible?

The Australian Government funds a range of vaccines for eligible Australians at no cost. Our pharmacist immunisers can administer them, no referral needed.

Government-funded vaccines
No referral needed
Walk-ins welcome
15-minute appointments

Free vaccinations for eligible Australians.

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) is an Australian Government initiative that funds a range of vaccines for people who meet eligibility criteria, based on age, health conditions, or life circumstances. You must also hold a valid Medicare card. If you're eligible, these vaccines are provided at no cost to you.

At Heathershaw's, our accredited pharmacist immunisers can administer NIP vaccines at Malvern Road and Wattletree Road. No appointment is required, though booking ahead guarantees your preferred time.

Book now →

How it works.

  1. Walk in or book ahead, no referral needed

  2. Quick eligibility check with your pharmacist immuniser

  3. Vaccinated on the spot, then a 15-minute observation

Who is eligible?

The National Immunisation Program (NIP) funds vaccines for people who meet eligibility criteria based on age, health conditions or life circumstances. You also need a valid Medicare card. Eligibility is set by the Australian Government and can change. Common eligible groups include:

Adults 65 years and over

Older adults are at higher risk of serious illness from preventable diseases. Multiple NIP vaccines are available for this group.

  • Annual influenza
  • Pneumococcal
  • Shingles
  • COVID-19
  • RSV, 75 and over

Currently pregnant

Vaccines during pregnancy protect both mother and baby. Timing is important, our pharmacists can advise on optimal scheduling.

  • Influenza, any trimester
  • Whooping cough (pertussis), 20 to 32 weeks
  • RSV, 28 to 36 weeks

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

First Nations Australians have access to a broader range of NIP vaccines from a younger age, reflecting greater risk from certain diseases.

  • Influenza
  • Pneumococcal, from 25
  • Shingles, from 50
  • COVID-19, from 50
  • RSV, from 60

Chronic medical conditions

Certain long-term conditions increase the risk of complications from vaccine-preventable disease, making vaccination especially important.

  • Influenza: cardiac, respiratory, diabetes, kidney and liver disease
  • Pneumococcal, shingles and COVID-19: immunocompromising conditions (adults)

Infants and children receive their scheduled vaccines through GPs, local councils and schools, so we do not offer free NIP vaccines for children at our pharmacies. Not sure if you qualify? Come in for a quick chat, your pharmacist will check your eligibility on the spot.

Book in minutes.

Choose a vaccination

Select the vaccination you need in our online booking system. Free under the NIP for eligible patients, your pharmacist will confirm on the day.

Pick a location and time

Choose Malvern Road or Wattletree Road and pick a time that works for you.

Come in

Arrive at your chosen store. Walk-ins are also welcome, just let our team know at the counter.

Available locations.

Walk in or book a free NIP vaccine at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road. No referral needed.

Meet our vaccinating pharmacists.

Every vaccination is given by a trained pharmacist immuniser who will answer your questions before and after your appointment.

Jenny Heathershaw

Jenny Heathershaw

Proprietor and Pharmacist

Gavin Ho

Gavin Ho

Pharmacist immuniser

Ali Abouelhamd

Ali Abouelhamd

Pharmacist immuniser

Jessy Zhang

Jessy Zhang

Pharmacist immuniser

Thomas Yong

Thomas Yong

Pharmacist immuniser

Tami Rose

Tami Rose

Pharmacist immuniser

Orna Tuckman

Orna Tuckman

Pharmacist immuniser

Questions people actually ask

What is the National Immunisation Program (NIP)?
The NIP is an Australian Government initiative that funds vaccines for people who meet certain eligibility criteria, based on age, health status, or life circumstances. If you're eligible, these vaccines are provided to you at no cost.
Do I need a referral to get a free NIP vaccine?
No. Our accredited pharmacist immunisers can check your eligibility and administer NIP vaccines directly, no referral required. Just walk in or book online.
Which NIP vaccines can I get at Heathershaw's?
We administer influenza, pneumococcal, shingles, RSV, whooping cough (pertussis) and COVID-19 vaccines for eligible patients. Your pharmacist will confirm which apply to you.
What do I need to bring to my appointment?
Please bring your valid Medicare card. You must hold one to access NIP-funded vaccines. Any vaccination history records are also helpful, though not required. Wear loose-fitting clothing for easy access to your upper arm.
Can children receive NIP vaccines at Heathershaw's?
No. We do not offer free NIP vaccines for children at our pharmacies. These are given through your GP, local council or school program. Your child's immunisation history statement is available from the Australian Immunisation Register.
How do I know if I'm eligible for a free vaccine?
Use our eligibility checker for a quick guide, or simply visit our Malvern Road or Wattletree Road pharmacy and ask our pharmacist. Eligibility is confirmed at the time of your visit. You can also check the Australian Government's immunise.health.gov.au website for the most up-to-date information.
What if the vaccine I need isn't covered by the NIP?
If you're not eligible for a free NIP vaccine, many vaccines are still available for purchase at a modest cost. Our pharmacists can advise you on options and pricing. See our All Vaccinations page for the full list.

1 Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. National Immunisation Program. health.gov.au

2 Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI). Australian Immunisation Handbook. immunisationhandbook.health.gov.au

NIP eligibility is subject to current ATAGI and Department of Health and Aged Care recommendations, which are updated periodically. Speak with your pharmacist to confirm current eligibility and recommended dosing schedule for your circumstances. A valid Medicare card is required. Participating pharmacies only. Please arrive 5 minutes before your appointment. A 15-minute observation period is required after vaccination.

Ready to check your eligibility?

Walk in or book online at Malvern Road or Wattletree Road.