Which vaccinations are free of charge from the age of 60?

From the age of 60, the public vaccination program includes, among other things, free of charge: the annual influenza and COVID-19 vaccination, a one-off pneumococcal vaccine (Capvaxive/PCV21), and the shingles vaccine (Shingrix, 2 doses). We will clarify which of these are appropriate for you individually.

Is the shingles vaccination (Herpes Zoster) free of charge?

Yes. For everyone from the age of 60 – and from the age of 18 in the case of a specific medical indication – it is free of charge under the public vaccination program. The inactivated vaccine Shingrix is administered in 2 doses (with an interval of at least 2 months, 2–6 months). A prior check of the immune status is not required.

Is the pneumococcal vaccination free of charge?

Yes – from the completed age of 60, once free of charge with Capvaxive (PCV21). If you have previously received a pneumococcal vaccination, PCV21 is administered at least 1 year (up to 6 years) thereafter. For children, pneumococcal vaccination is included in the free pediatric immunization program [Kinderimpfprogramm].

How often does the tick-borne encephalitis (FSME) vaccination need to be refreshed?

Following completion of the basic immunization (Grundimmunisierung), every 5 years – from the age of 60, every 3 years.

How often should tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccines be boosted?

As a combination vaccine every 10 years, and from the age of 60 onwards every 5 years. Following a recovery from whooping cough, the next booster is administered at a 5-year interval.

Is it permissible to attend a vaccination appointment with a cold?

A mild infection without high fever is generally not an obstacle. In the case of an acute, severe febrile illness, we will postpone the vaccination until you are feeling better.

Can I receive multiple vaccinations on the same day?

Inactivated vaccines (Totimpfstoffe) can usually be administered at the same time. Between two live vaccines (e.g., measles-mumps-rubella, varicella), the rule is: either on the same day or with an interval of at least 4 weeks. For reasons of tolerability, it is preferred to administer the shingles vaccine (Shingrix) with an interval of 1–2 weeks to other vaccinations.

Which vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy?

Recommended (Inactivated vaccines): Whooping cough (27th–36th week of pregnancy, in every pregnancy), Influenza (2nd/3rd trimester), COVID-19, and if applicable, RSV (32nd–36th week of pregnancy). Live vaccines (Measles-Mumps-Rubella, Varicella, Yellow Fever, Dengue, nasal influenza vaccine) are contraindicated during pregnancy.

I have a chicken egg white allergy – can I be vaccinated?

Influenza vaccination: yes. According to the vaccination schedule, all influenza vaccines available in Austria can be used without hesitation in cases of egg white allergy. An exception is the yellow fever vaccination (a travel vaccination with a live vaccine): in this case, an egg white allergy is a contraindication – we will find an individual solution together.

Which vaccinations should not be administered at the same time / on the same day?

Most vaccinations may be administered on the same day. Important exceptions: Different vaccines are never mixed in one syringe, but are instead administered at different sites on the body. Yellow fever and MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) must not be administered at the same time – otherwise, a 4-week interval is required. Two live vaccines: either on the same day or with at least a 4-week interval. Shingles (Shingrix) is preferably administered with a 1–2 week interval from other vaccinations. Following the administration of immunoglobulins, live vaccines (e.g., MMR) should only be given after a waiting period (typically 3 months, for measles 8–12 months).

Mein-GenMed

1210 Vienna

Mein-GenMed

1210 Vienna

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Patient Information

Austrian Immunization Schedule 2026/2027 – Vaccination Preview

This vaccination overview provides general guidance. It does not replace a personal vaccination consultation or a medically certified vaccination certificate (Impfpass).

Current as of: Austrian Vaccination Plan (Impfplan Österreich) 2026/2027, Version 1.0 dated 17 September 2026

Publisher: Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (Bundesministerium für Arbeit, Soziales, Gesundheit, Pflege und Konsumentenschutz).

Official Austrian Vaccination Schedule [Impfplan Österreich] 2026/2027

The complete vaccination schedule table

Original document from the Federal Ministry of Social Affairs – tap to enlarge.

Vaccination Schedule Austria 2026/2027 – Complete Table
Source: Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection (BMSGPK)

Vaccinations in special situations

Guidance for pregnancy and for therapy with biologics or immunosuppression – based on the Austrian Vaccination Plan 2026/2027. Does not replace a consultation with your doctor.

Before pregnancy (when planning a child) – at least 1 month before conception

Check immunity to measles-mumps-rubella and varicella and catch up if immunity is lacking – these live vaccines are not possible during pregnancy.
Check and, if needed, update diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis(-polio) per the usual schedule, and influenza.

During pregnancy – inactivated vaccines possible, preferably 2nd/3rd trimester

Pertussis (combination vaccine dTpa): in every pregnancy, from the 2nd trimester, ideally weeks 27–36 – regardless of the interval since the last dose. Protects the baby in the first 6 months of life.
Influenza (inactivated vaccine): strongly recommended in the 2nd/3rd trimester; also in the 1st trimester if a flu wave is imminent.
COVID-19: in autumn, with an mRNA vaccine.
RSV (maternal vaccination with Abrysvo): once, if the due date falls between October and March; 4–8 weeks before the due date (usually weeks 32–36), at least 2 weeks apart from the pertussis vaccination. Protects the newborn.
Not during pregnancy: live vaccines (e.g. measles-mumps-rubella, varicella, yellow fever, dengue). After a live vaccine, avoid conception for 1 month.

After birth / while breastfeeding

Most vaccinations are possible (exception e.g. yellow fever).
Strongly recommended for non-immune mothers: measles-mumps-rubella, varicella, influenza and COVID-19.
If the pertussis vaccination was missed during pregnancy and is due: catch it up after delivery.

We plan the exact timing individually – gladly as part of your pregnancy care.

It is best to plan in good time before starting therapy. Inactivated vaccines are also possible during therapy; the vaccine response may be weaker, so a check (antibody titre) may be useful.

Immune status & live vaccines – only before starting therapy

Assess immune status against measles-mumps-rubella and varicella and complete missing live vaccines before therapy starts.
During ongoing immunosuppression, the MMR live vaccine must not be given if measles immunity is lacking; if varicella immunity is lacking, the herpes zoster inactivated vaccine (Shingrix) may be considered (off-label).

Strongly recommended (inactivated) vaccines

COVID-19, influenza and RSV (RSV partly off-label, after a benefit-risk assessment).
Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis-polio (booster or primary immunisation).
Pneumococcus: PCV15 or PCV20, then additionally PCV21 after 8 weeks.
Hepatitis A and hepatitis B.
Meningococcus (ACWY and B).
Herpes zoster (shingles) – inactivated vaccine.

Additional, depending on risk / underlying disease

Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib), HPV, TBE/FSME.

During ongoing therapy – live vaccines not possible with strong immunosuppression

Inactivated vaccines remain possible and are given as boosters; check the response if needed.
Live vaccines are contraindicated with severe immunosuppression – e.g. measles-mumps-rubella, varicella, yellow fever, dengue.

Protection through contacts

household members and close contacts should be fully vaccinated according to the Austrian vaccination plan.

Which vaccinations make sense and when depends on the disease, the therapy and the degree of immunosuppression – we coordinate this together and with your specialist. In many cases cost coverage as an "anticipated treatment" (vorgezogene Heilbehandlung) is possible.

Source: Austrian Vaccination Plan (Impfplan Österreich) 2026/2027, chapter “Vaccination of special population groups” (pregnancy/breastfeeding pp. 209–212; immunodeficiency/immunosuppression pp. 215–217).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

The most frequently asked questions about vaccinations – answered briefly according to the Austrian Vaccination Plan 2026/27. Tap to expand.

If protection against whooping cough is particularly important (e.g., healthcare professionals, contact with infants, pregnancy) and the last vaccination was administered without a whooping cough component, a booster with a combination vaccine containing whooping cough (Boostrix, Boostrix Polio, or Repevax) is recommended according to the immunization schedule. In this case, this vaccination is given regardless of the interval since the last tetanus/diphtheria-containing vaccine. Shorter intervals may lead to a somewhat more frequent, pronounced local vaccination reaction – this is generally harmless. In the absence of a primary immunization against whooping cough in adulthood, a second dose after 4 weeks may be considered under special indications (off-label). Note: A single-component whooping cough vaccine is not available – whooping cough is always vaccinated as a combination (with tetanus/diphtheria).

No. Completed childhood vaccinations (basic immunization) are not repeated – every documented vaccination counts. We will check your vaccination certificate [Impfpass] for gaps and only catch up on what is missing. To keep up to date or catch up in adulthood: Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis-Polio (booster every 10 years), TBE [FSME] (every 5 years), influenza annually and COVID-19 seasonally, Measles-Mumps-Rubella (2 doses if not immune), as well as Hepatitis A/B, Pneumococci, or Varicella depending on the situation. From the age of 60, Pneumococci and Shingles are added. Only a basic immunization that was never completed will be finalized (not started completely anew) – we will clarify this individually.

As a rule, no. A vaccination series that has already been started does not need to be restarted – every vaccination counts. We will simply catch up on missed vaccinations as soon as possible. Exception: If only the very first dose of a primary immunisation was administered and the recommended interval has been exceeded by more than one year, the primary immunisation is restarted. For diphtheria/tetanus, a titre check may be advisable after very long intervals (from approximately 20 years).

Inactivated vaccines [Totimpfstoffe] are safe to administer and are particularly important for patients with a weakened immune system. Please note that vaccine protection may be reduced – if necessary, the efficacy can be verified via a titer check [Titerkontrolle] (approximately 4–8 weeks post-vaccination). Live vaccines [Lebendimpfstoffe] (e.g., measles-mumps-rubella, varicella) are generally contraindicated in cases of severe immunodeficiency – they are only permissible in exceptional individual cases following a meticulous risk-benefit assessment. If measles protection is lacking during immunosuppressive therapy, an immunoglobulin treatment may be considered instead of the live vaccine. Highly recommended (inactivated vaccines): COVID-19, diphtheria-tetanus-polio-pertussis, pneumococcal, hepatitis A/B, meningococcal, shingles (inactivated vaccine), influenza and – depending on the clinical situation – RSV. Timing: Planned vaccinations should ideally be administered prior to the initiation of any immunosuppressive, biologic, or chemotherapy, and in close coordination with your treating specialist. Household members and close contacts should also be fully vaccinated to ensure cocooning [Umgebungsschutz]. Methotrexate is classified as an immunosuppressant – we will determine the precise course of action on an individual basis. Please note: Some of these vaccinations are recognized by the social insurance providers as "preventive medical treatment" [vorgezogene Heilbehandlung], and an application for cost coverage can be submitted.

Most vaccinations may be administered on the same day. Important exceptions: Different vaccines are never mixed in one syringe, but are instead administered at different sites on the body.

Yellow fever and MMR (measles-mumps-rubella) must not be administered at the same time – otherwise, a 4-week interval is required.
Two live vaccines: either on the same day or with at least a 4-week interval.
Shingles (Shingrix) is preferably administered with a 1–2 week interval from other vaccinations.
Following the administration of immunoglobulins, live vaccines (e.g., MMR) should only be given after a waiting period (typically 3 months, for measles 8–12 months).

Free of charge means: The vaccine is funded by the public vaccination program (free for you). Cost contribution means: The vaccine and/or administration fee are not covered by the public program and must be paid by the patient. In our practice: We have a sufficient supply of vaccines in stock at our medical practice (Ordination). As part of your annual preventive health check (Gesundenuntersuchung) at our clinic, no vaccination fee is charged. For vaccines brought by the patient, a vaccination fee applies. We are happy to discuss the details with you in person.

Yes. Allergies to pollen, house dust mites, food, asthma, or a penicillin allergy are not obstacles – genuine vaccine allergies are very rare. Even a chicken egg white allergy is unproblematic for almost all vaccinations (e.g. measles-mumps-rubella, influenza, TBE); only before a yellow fever vaccination is an allergological assessment necessary. In the event of a previous allergic reaction to a vaccination, we extend the post-vaccination observation period, and emergency medication is always ready. If there is a known allergy to vaccine ingredients (e.g. PEG, gelatine), we clarify this in advance.

In addition to general vaccinations, the following are particularly important: Hepatitis A and B; HPV (recommended regardless of age in case of exposure risk, free of charge until the 21st birthday); Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis[-Polio]; Measles-Mumps-Rubella for non-immune individuals; Influenza annually; COVID-19; Meningococcal ACWY (and B) in case of close contact; as well as Mpox for high-risk individuals.

Legal Notice

This FAQ is intended solely for general information purposes and does not replace a personal medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Whether and when a vaccination is appropriate for you depends on your individual health status, vaccination history, and risk profile. The final decision regarding any vaccination is made exclusively after a personal consultation with your doctor [Ärztin / Arzt].

Which vaccination is appropriate depends on age, vaccination status, health condition, and individual risk. The decision is made after a medical consultation.

Please bring your vaccination certificate [Impfpass] or any existing vaccination records to your appointment.

Vaccination consultation and appointment at our medical practice

Data protection

Legal Notice

Austrian Immunization Schedule 2026/2027 – Vaccination Preview

The complete vaccination schedule table

Vaccinations in special situations

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

💶 Which vaccinations are free of charge from the age of 60?

💉 Is the shingles vaccination (Herpes Zoster) free of charge?

🫁 Is the pneumococcal vaccination free of charge?

🦟 How often does the tick-borne encephalitis (FSME) vaccination need to be refreshed?

🔁 How often should tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccines be boosted?

🤧 Is it permissible to attend a vaccination appointment with a cold?

➕ Can I receive multiple vaccinations on the same day?

🤰 Which vaccinations are recommended during pregnancy?

🧪 Whooping cough (pertussis) antibodies negative, but tetanus & diphtheria positive – what to do?

🧮 Do I need to repeat all childhood vaccinations at age 40?

🔂 I have missed a vaccination – do I need to start the series from the beginning?

🥚 I have a chicken egg white allergy – can I be vaccinated?

🛡️ I am taking immunosuppressants (e.g. methotrexate, biologics) – what do I need to consider?

🗓️ Which vaccinations should not be administered at the same time / on the same day?

💶 What does the co-payment mean – and how does the vaccination process work at our medical practice (Ordination)?

Can I be vaccinated if I have an allergy?

Which vaccinations are particularly important for sex workers?