Australia's Department of Health confirmed on Friday that free COVID-19 vaccines will end for millions of adults from October 1, requiring most people under 65 to pay out of pocket for booster doses. The change follows the winding back of pandemic-era funding arrangements.

Under the revised policy, vaccines will remain free through the National Immunisation Program only for older adults, immunocompromised people, and other high-risk groups. Healthy adults outside those categories will face charges at pharmacies and general practices, where consultation and dispensing fees typically add to the cost.

The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and the Pharmacy Guild of Australia warned that co-payments would depress already low booster uptake heading into the warmer months. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that some clinics expect the total cost to patients to exceed 30 Australian dollars per dose.

Health advocates said the shift risks widening gaps in protection among working-age Australians, particularly those in casual or low-paid jobs. The change aligns Australia's approach more closely with treating COVID-19 as an endemic, seasonal illness rather than a public health emergency.

A Department of Health spokesperson said the program continued to prioritise those at greatest risk of severe disease and urged eligible Australians to check their status with a GP or pharmacist before the deadline.