Department of Health

COVID-19 vaccine

Up to date ATAGI recommendations, vaccine schedules, and resources for immunisation providers.

Community immunisation information

The information on this page is aimed at immunisation providers. If you're looking for immunisation information for yourself, your family or someone you're caring for, visit Better Health Channel. 

Immunisation information on Better Health Channel

Latest news

ATAGI have published updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine advice and booster recommendations for 2024External Link .

Information about COVID-19 vaccines and recommendations for vaccination are now included in the Australian Immunisation HandbookExternal Link .

Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines

The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has made recommendations on the use of COVID-19 vaccines, including:

  • primary schedules, including mixed schedules
  • booster doses
  • considerations for special populations
  • coadministration with other vaccines
  • minimum valid dose schedules.

Clinical recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinesExternal Link

COVID-19 vaccine advice and booster recommendations for 2024External Link

COVID-19 vaccine doses and administration

Refer to the following information on COVID-19 vaccines that have been provisionally approved for use in Australia. Find out their dosage, volume, schedules and preparation:

COVID-19 vaccine contraindications and precautions

Learn about contraindications and precautionsExternal Link associated with each COVID-19 vaccine and extra precautions for certain groups.

COVID-19 vaccine adverse events

Immunisation providers must report any adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). Find out more about common and uncommon AEFI following Immunisation with COVID-19 vaccinesExternal Link .

Refer to Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting.

COVID-19 vaccine administration errors

Refer to the ATAGI guidance for possible COVID-19 vaccine administration errorsExternal Link including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended.

Learn how to avoid vaccine errors and establish practices that can identify report and manager vaccine errors. Refer to Vaccine error management.

Storage, handling and preparation of COVID-19 vaccines

Immunisation providers must store and handle all vaccines according to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’External Link .

Learn about additional storage and handing requirements for COVID-19 vaccinesExternal Link .

Preparation and use of multidose vials

Refer to ATAGI guidance on the use of multidose vials for COVID-19 vaccination.External Link

Cold Chain Breach Management

All cold chain breaches involving COVID-19 vaccines must be reported to the Vaccine Operations Centre (VOC) using the COVID-19 Cold Chain Breach reporting formExternal Link .

In the event of a CCB, isolate the vaccines in the vaccine refrigerator, mark them 'do not use/do not discard' until you receive advice.

Report to the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)

It is mandatory to record all COVID-19 vaccinations given on the AIR. Ensure you use the correct brand name, dose number and batch number.

Refer to Services Australia for guidance on adding overseas COVID vaccines to the AIRExternal Link .

Further information can be found in Using the Australian Immunisation RegisterExternal Link

Authorised COVID-19 immunisers in Victoria

Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers, intern pharmacist immunisers and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner immunisers have been authorised to administer the COVID-19 vaccine in Victoria.

  • Nurse immunisers

    • Refer to Nurse immunisers for a copy of the COVID-19 vaccine Secretary Approval.

    Pharmacist immunisers

    Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immunisers

  • Nurse immunisers, pharmacist immunisers, intern pharmacist immunisers and ATSIHP immunisers are required to complete an ‘Immuniser program of study’ and other training as specified in their respective Secretary Approvals.

    From 1 October 2023, completion of the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care’s COVID-19 Vaccination Training Program (CVTP) training is no longer mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination providers participating in the COVID-19 Vaccination Program. Completion of the CVTP training has been removed as an additional training requirement in the updated Secretary Approvals.

    The CVTP reference documentExternal Link containing all 18 modules of the former CVTP remains available to immunisation providers.

    All immunisers must maintain competence and operate within their individual scope of practice by ensuring that they have the knowledge, skills and currency of practice for all vaccines that they administer.

    For COVID-19 vaccine reference and learning resources, refer to

Resources for immunisation providers

Reviewed 03 October 2024

Health.vic

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