Before vaccines were developed, infectious diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, and meningitis were leading causes of death and illness worldwide. The development of vaccines stands as one of the greatest public health achievements in human history, significantly reducing mortality from infectious diseases.

　　Currently, there is a significant disparity in vaccination coverage between Australian adults and infants: over 93% of infants are vaccinated, whereas adult vaccination rates range from 53% to 75%. Adults still require many vaccines to help mitigate the risk of disease, particularly for certain high‑risk conditions. If you are an Australian adult, the specific vaccines you need may depend on various factors, including whether you missed any vaccinations during childhood. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, additional considerations include your occupation, age, and whether you plan to travel overseas.

　　For those who were born in Australia

　　Children under 4 years of age and those aged 10–15 typically receive vaccinations according to the national immunization schedule, including hepatitis B, DPT, measles, and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines. The duration of immune protection following vaccination often varies depending on the specific vaccine: for example, the measles vaccine can confer long-lasting immunity, potentially even lifelong protection, whereas the pertussis vaccine may offer a shorter period of protection. Of course, many vaccines are capable of boosting the body’s immune response.

　　Measles, mumps, rubella, varicella, diphtheria, and tetanus

　　Individuals born in 1966 are highly likely to have natural immunity to measles, as the virus was already widespread in human populations prior to the introduction of vaccination programs. In contrast, those born after 1965 may require two doses of the measles vaccine, as it remains uncertain whether vaccination alone can prevent infection or curb the transmission of measles among infants.

　　Measles vaccines are often administered as MMR (measles–mumps–rubella) or MMRV (measles–mumps–rubella–varicella) vaccines. The varicella vaccine is recommended for individuals aged 14 years and older, who are unlikely to develop chickenpox, particularly women of childbearing age.

　　The booster dose of the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis vaccine is provided free of charge to children aged 10–15. It is also recommended for adults aged 50 and 65, and individuals whose tetanus vaccination status is unknown should receive vaccination as well. Although tetanus is very rare in Australia, many cases occur among older adults.

　　Whooping cough

　　Pregnant women are often advised to receive the diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis vaccine in the late stages of pregnancy to protect their infants from infection with these pathogens after birth; they should also be vaccinated against influenza at any point during pregnancy. Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection that poses a serious threat to infants, with approximately one in every 200 infants exposed to the disease succumbing to it. Vaccination is particularly important for women who are 28 weeks pregnant.

　　Pneumococcal disease and influenza

　　For individuals aged 65 and older, pneumococcal vaccination is often provided free of charge, and it is also recommended for those under 65 to help prevent chronic lung disease. Infants as young as six months old are vaccinated against influenza; this vaccine can confer protection against the influenza virus in adults. However, at present, it is offered free of charge only to specific high-risk groups, such as pregnant women, Indigenous Australians, persons aged 65 and older, or individuals with certain medical conditions, including chronic lung disease and kidney disease.

　　The influenza vaccine should be updated annually to match the strains predicted by researchers and should effectively protect those who receive it. This vaccine covers four distinct influenza virus strains. Pregnant women are at high risk of influenza infection; therefore, researchers recommend that pregnant women receive the influenza vaccine during pregnancy.

　　Healthcare workers, childcare providers, and caregivers are also among the priority groups for vaccination, as they frequently care for sick individuals and belong to populations at heightened risk during disease outbreaks. Influenza vaccination is particularly important for these occupational groups, and some organizations offer free vaccinations to their employees. Additionally, individuals can request vaccination from their healthcare providers. People whose immune systems are compromised due to medication or illness are generally at increased risk of severe disease; however, live‑attenuated viral or bacterial vaccines may not be administered directly to immunocompromised individuals. With regard to hepatitis prevention, children born in Australia typically receive four doses of the hepatitis B vaccine, while certain adults may be advised to get vaccinated against hepatitis A or hepatitis B.

　　Human papillomavirus

　　The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine can protect individuals against cervical cancer, head and neck cancers, and several other types of cancer. Today, it is recommended for both boys and girls and has been incorporated into high school curricula. It also provides a degree of protection for older girls and women, particularly those aged 20 to 30, helping to prevent HPV‑related diseases.

　　Elderly people

　　As people age, the body’s immune function gradually declines, increasing the risk of infectious diseases. Vaccination is often the most achievable goal for promoting healthy aging; older adults are typically advised to receive influenza, pneumococcal, and shingles vaccines. Influenza and pneumonia are leading causes of morbidity and mortality among the elderly, and during multiple seasons, influenza frequently contributes to deaths in both children and older adults.

　　The most common cause of pneumonia is infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae, and vaccination against this pathogen—typically through pneumococcal vaccines—can effectively prevent such infections. Currently, two types of pneumococcal vaccines are available: the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and the pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV). Both vaccines provide protection against invasive pneumococcal diseases, such as meningitis and sepsis, and evidence indicates that the conjugate vaccine can significantly reduce an individual’s risk of developing pneumonia. At present, influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations for adults aged 65 years and older are subsidized by the government.

　　Shingles is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, often leading to a significant disease burden and chronic pain in older adults. Researchers recommend that individuals aged 60 and older receive the shingles vaccine; currently, vaccination for those aged 70 to 79 is subsidized by the government.