Adult & Booster Vaccinations
- Common vaccines available
- NIP-funded where eligible
- No referral needed
- Nurse-administered
- Catch-up vaccinations
About this Service
Staying up to date with vaccinations as an adult is one of the most straightforward things you can do for your long-term health, but it’s easy to lose track of what you’ve had, what’s overdue, and what’s funded. Our nursing team and GPs can help.
Some adult vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) based on age or health status. Others are available on a private script, meaning you pay for the vaccine itself. Both options are available at our clinic, and our team can confirm your eligibility when you call or book.
Not sure where to start? If you haven’t had a general health check recently, an annual check-up is a good opportunity to review your vaccination status alongside everything else. See our Check-ups & Health Assessments page.
Common Vaccines We Provide
Read vaccination details, who it’s recommended for and how it’s funded. Not sure what you need? Call our reception team or ask your GP at your next visit.
Whooping Cough (dTpa)
NIP eligible*
Whooping cough (pertussis) can be serious for young babies, so a booster is often recommended for adults who'll be around infants — including parents, grandparents, and carers — and for people planning a pregnancy. Your GP or nurse can advise on timing if you're pregnant or preparing to be.
Shingles (Herpes Zoster)
NIP eligible*
Shingles becomes more common with age and can cause persistent nerve pain in some people. Vaccination is generally recommended for older adults and may help reduce the risk of shingles and some of its complications. Your GP can confirm whether you fall into a funded age group.
HPV
Private script
If you didn't complete the HPV vaccination course at school, catch-up vaccination may still be worthwhile as an adult. Your GP can discuss whether it's suitable for your circumstances and what the private-script cost involves.
Influenza (Flu)
NIP eligible*
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for most adults, particularly ahead of the cooler months. It's funded under the NIP for several eligibility groups — including people 65 and over, pregnant women, and people with certain health conditions — with a private-script option for everyone else.
Meningococcal
Private script
Meningococcal vaccination may be recommended for adults in specific circumstances, including some travel destinations, certain medical conditions, or particular living situations. Your GP can help assess whether it's relevant for you.
Tetanus
Private script
A tetanus booster is generally recommended every 10 years, or sooner if you've had a significant cut, burn, or wound and aren't sure when you were last vaccinated. Often combined with a diphtheria and whooping cough booster (dTpa)m your GP can advise which combination suits you.
Pneumococcal
NIP eligible*
Pneumococcal vaccination is generally recommended for older adults and people with some chronic health conditions, to help reduce the risk of pneumococcal disease. Funding depends on age and health status. Your GP can confirm your eligibility.
Hepatitis B
Private script
Hepatitis B vaccination may be recommended if you weren't vaccinated as a child, or if your work or lifestyle carries a higher exposure risk. A simple blood test can also check your existing immunity if you're unsure of your vaccination history.
COVID-19 Booster
NIP eligible*
COVID-19 booster recommendations are reviewed periodically and depend on age, health status, and time since your last dose. Our team keeps up to date with current advice. Ask at your appointment whether a booster is currently recommended for you.
* NIP eligibility note: NIP funding criteria (age and condition thresholds) are subject to change. Eligibility details on this page are a general guide only — our reception team can confirm your eligibility when you book, or visit health.gov.au for the current schedule.
Quick Reference
A summary of who each vaccine is typically recommended for and how it’s generally funded.
| Vaccine | Typically Recommended For | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Whooping Cough (dTpa) | Adults around infants, pregnancy planning, general boosters | NIP eligible* |
| Shingles | Older adults | NIP eligible* |
| HPV | Adults who missed the school-based course | Private script |
| Influenza | All adults, annually before winter | NIP eligible* |
| Meningococcal | Specific age groups, travel, health conditions | Private script |
| Tetanus | 10-yearly booster, or after a significant wound | Private script |
| Pneumococcal | Older adults, some chronic conditions | NIP eligible* |
| Hepatitis B | Adults not previously vaccinated, some occupations | Private script |
| COVID-19 Booster | Eligible adults per current advice | NIP eligible* |
How It Works
Most vaccination appointments are straightforward and can be completed in a single visit.
Book Online or Call
Select a vaccination appointment online, or call reception if you're not sure which vaccine you need. Our team can advise before you book.
Quick Health Check
Your GP will confirm your vaccination history and check there's no reason to delay before proceeding.
Vaccination & Monitoring
The vaccine is given by one of our nurses and you're asked to wait briefly on-site afterward, as is standard practice for all vaccinations.
Preparing for Your Visit
Your Medicare card, any private script if one’s been provided, and (if you have it) a record of your previous vaccinations such as an Immunisation History Statement from Medicare via myGov. If you’re not sure what you’ve already had, let your GP know and we can check your AIR records together.
Getting multiple vaccines? In many cases, your GP can advise which combinations are appropriate at the time of your appointment. Let us know when booking if you’d like to discuss more than one vaccine.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Questions are grouped by topic for easier navigation.
No referral is needed for standard adult vaccinations. You can book directly online or by calling our reception team on 02 9545 1777.
Some vaccines are funded under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible patients based on age or health condition — including flu, shingles, whooping cough, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 boosters for eligible groups. Vaccines outside NIP criteria are available on a private script, with a cost for the vaccine itself. Our reception team can confirm your eligibility when you book.
In many cases, yes. Your GP or nurse can advise which vaccine combinations are appropriate for you at the time of your appointment. Let us know when booking if you’d like to discuss more than one vaccine so we can allocate appropriate time.
Yes. If you have a Medicare Immunisation History Statement (available via myGov), bring it along — or our nurse can check your Australian Immunisation Register records at your appointment before deciding what’s needed.
Book online through our booking page, or call our reception team on 02 9545 1777 if you’d like to discuss which vaccine is right for you first. Most appointments are available within the same week.
You’ll be asked to wait briefly on-site after your vaccination — this is standard practice. All vaccinations are automatically reported to the Australian Immunisation Register. Mild side effects such as a sore arm or low-grade fever are common and usually resolve within a day or two. Your nurse will advise what to expect before you leave.
Related Services
Planning a trip overseas? See our dedicated travel health page for destination-specific vaccine advice and Yellow Fever certification.
Shire Family Medical is an approved Yellow Fever vaccination centre — we issue the International Certificate of Vaccination required for entry to some countries.
Looking for vaccinations for your child rather than yourself? See our full childhood immunisation schedule page.
Book a Vaccination
Book online or call reception if you’d like to discuss which vaccine is right for you first.
Ready to Book Your Vaccination?
Book online in a few minutes, or call our reception team if you’d like to talk through which vaccine is right for you first.