Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing

24/06/2026

Ever wondered how vaccines work? Looking for more information about the diseases we vaccinate against?

Check out these videos where experts explain the diseases and vaccines available for free under the National Immunisation Program.

Childhood immunisation – it’s one more way you keep them safe.

For more information, see the comments below. 👇

24/06/2026

Are you feeling stressed, worried, or a bit down?

Recognising early signs of mental health challenges can be hard - especially when life feels busy.

Medicare Mental Health Check In offers free, online support to help you take care of your mental health early, before problems get worse.

The service provides:
✅ online tools to help you build simple, practical skills for managing worries, improving sleep or lifting your mood
✅ tools you can use at your own pace, with the option to connect with a qualified mental health practitioner via telehealth
✅ support in a way that suits your needs and goals.

To learn more about the service, see the comments below. 👇

23/06/2026

It's almost 1 July!

If you do not have private hospital cover by 1 July after your 31st birthday or the 1st anniversary of registering for Medicare, you may need to pay more through the Lifetime Health Cover loading and the Medicare Levy Surcharge.

Want to avoid paying more though Health Cover loading and the Levy Surcharge?

Consider private hospital cover now.

For more information, see the comments below. 👇

23/06/2026

It’s not too late to get your winter vaccinations.

Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Professor Michael Kidd explains the vital role vaccination plays in helping protect the community from flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during the cooler months, particularly for older Australians.

All vaccines used in Australia provide benefits that far outweigh any risks. It’s much safer to be vaccinated than get the disease.

For more information, see the comments below. 👇

22/06/2026

Allergic disease affects approximately a third of the population and is rising. It spans all age groups with one in 10 babies diagnosed with food allergies, one in 20 adults reporting medication allergies, and one in 4 Australians experiencing hay fever – up from one in 7 in 2008.

From 1 July 2026, the Australian Government is committing $14.6 million over 2 years to drive research, care and support for Australians affected by allergies. This includes funding to support the National Allergy Council in delivering their Shared Care for Allergy Program to help improve access to quality allergy care across Australia.

This World Allergy Week, the message is, Allergy Care is Essential Care 🌎

The National Allergy Council is developing an Access to Care Guideline as part of the Shared Care for Allergy Program to help improve access to allergy care across Australia.

We believe that everyone with allergic disease should be able to access the right care, at the right time, in the right place, from the right healthcare professional(s). The Access to Care Guideline will provide practical recommendations and measures that health services can implement to enhance safety, quality, availability, equity and timeliness of allergy care for Australians.

Learn more about our Shared Care for Allergy Program: https://loom.ly/f1u_mqY

The National Allergy Council receives funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing to provide these evidence-based, best practice resources.

22/06/2026

Want a quick and simple way to see how Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) changes could help you save on medicines? ▶️

With the PBS copayment now $25, you pay less every time you fill a prescription with a Medicare card.

If you have a Commonwealth concession card, PBS medicines remain at $7.70 until 2030.

More affordable medicines mean fewer delays in filling prescriptions.

For more information, see the comments below. 👇

21/06/2026

Call 1800MEDICARE (1800 633 422) for free from anywhere in Australia and connect with a registered nurse for expert health advice when you need it most. 📞

When you call 1800MEDICARE, a registered nurse can provide you with health information and help you find services in your area.

If you are injured or unwell, they will help you understand if your condition needs extra attention from a health service or if it can be managed safely at home.

You can also connect via the 1800MEDICARE website or app to get the help and information you need, in a way that works best for you.

1800MEDICARE is available to anyone in Australia whether it’s early in the morning or late at night and you don’t need a Medicare card.

For emergencies, always call Triple Zero (000).

For more information, see the comments below. 👇

19/06/2026

Bowel cancer waits for no one – and it can develop without signs, symptoms or family history.

If you’re aged 45 to 74, don’t wait. Test now.

This Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, make it the month you take action. It could save your life.

If you’re aged 45 to 49, you can order your first free bowel screening kit online. And if you’re aged 50 to 74, you’ll automatically receive yours in the mail.

To find out more, see the comments below. 👇

19/06/2026

You can help to protect public money.

Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar not invested in Australia’s health, disability and aged care services. It’s important that this money goes to those who need it most.

One way to stop fraud and corruption is through tip-offs. Information can help us act early and keep programs running fairly and as intended.

Reporting any suspected fraud or corruption helps us:
✔️ act quickly to prevent harm
✔️ protect resources for the people who need them
✔️ maintain trust in government services.

If you see something that doesn’t seem right, let us know.

To find out more, see the comments below. 👇

18/06/2026

Carers give so much of themselves every day - but carers need support too.

Talking to someone can help.

Counsellors can provide strategies to help you work through your emotions and feel more supported.

Through Carer Gateway, unpaid carers can access free counselling.

Speak with an experienced counsellor through the Carer Gateway Phone Counselling service.

To find out more call 📞1800 422 737 or visit 💻 www.carergateway.gov.au/

If you feel stressed, sad or frustrated, it may help to speak with a counsellor to discuss your situation. They can provide strategies to help you work through your emotions. Carer Gateway provides free counselling to carers. There are three types of counselling options available: