What this instrument does
The National Health (Immunisation Program - Designated Vaccines) Determination 2026 is a legislative instrument registered on 30 September 2026 under the National Health Act 1953. It sets out which vaccines are designated under the National Immunisation Program, the circumstances under which they are provided, and rules for catch-up doses.
Catch-up dose rules
The determination includes specific catch-up dose rules for three groups:
- People under 10 years of age
- People aged 10 to 19 years
- Visa-holders aged 20 and over
What it replaces
This determination repeals the previous National Health (Immunisation Program - Designated Vaccines) Determination 2014 (No.1). The repeal is made through Schedule 2 of the new instrument.
Key actions
- If your business registers or employs visa-holders and manages any health-related obligations for them, check the updated catch-up dose rules for visa-holders aged 20 and over under section 11 of the new determination at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01333.
- If you operate in a health or NDIS setting where you refer clients to immunisation programs, review Schedule 1 of the determination to confirm the current list of designated vaccines and circumstances at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01333.
- Contact the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing directly if you need clarification on how the change from the 2014 determination affects your practice.
Where to find the instrument
The full text of the determination is available on the Federal Register of Legislation at https://www.legislation.gov.au/F2026L01333.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.