Latest news
- ATAGI have published updated guidance on COVID-19 vaccine advice and booster recommendations for .
- Information about COVID-19 vaccines and recommendations for vaccination are now included in the Australian Immunisation .
- COVID-19 vaccine can be (given on the same day) with influenza vaccine and other vaccines.
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
- co-administration with other vaccines
- minimum valid dose schedules.
Clinical recommendations for COVID-19
COVID-19 vaccine advice and booster recommendations for
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:
- ATAGI guidance regarding COVID-19 vaccine brands, dosage and
- ATAGI recommended COVID-19 vaccine poster – A4
- COVID-19 vaccines for use in Australia – A3
COVID-19 vaccine contraindications and precautions
Learn about contraindications and 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 .
Refer to Adverse Events following Immunisation (AEFI) reporting.
COVID-19 vaccine administration errors
Refer to the ATAGI guidance for possible COVID-19 vaccine administration including when a replacement (repeat) dose is recommended.
- Complete the COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Error (VAE) reporting
- Email the completed form to COVID19VaccineOperationsCentre@health.gov.au
- Report the VAE to even if no adverse event has occurred.
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 .
Learn about additional storage and handing requirements for COVID-19 .
Preparation and use of multidose vials
Refer to ATAGI guidance on the use of multidose vials for COVID-19
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 .
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 .
Further information can be found in Using the Australian Immunisation
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.
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Nurse immunisers
- Refer to Nurse immunisers for a copy of the COVID-19 vaccine Secretary Approval.
Pharmacist immunisers
- Refer to Pharmacist immunisers for a copy of the COVID-19 vaccine Secretary Approval.
- Refer to Pharmacist Immunisers for a copy of the Secretary Approval for intern pharmacist immunisers.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immunisers
- Refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner (ATSIHP) immuniser for a copy of the Secretary Approval for ATSIHP immunisers.
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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 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
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Learning resources and education modules are available for clinical staff including:
- COVID-19 Vaccination (CVTP)
- Australian Technical Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) Guidance on the use of multidose vials for COVID-19
- Victorian Department of Health Cold Chain Management
- National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance – Shoulder Injury after Immunisation
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- For information on becoming a COVID-19 vaccination provider, information about vaccine storage and handling and practice resources, visit the Australian Government Department of .
- Commonwealth to support conversations about COVID-19 vaccines. This includes resources for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and translated resources in many community languages.
- Clinical guidance from the for immunisation providers on administering COVID-19 vaccines to eligible patients, advice about rare side effects, contraindications, precautions and adverse effects.
Reviewed 24 April 2025