Austria is rolling out its updated, variant-adapted Covid vaccine for the 2025–26 season. The essentials: the jab is free, one autumn dose is recommended for most people aged 12 and over, and you’ll usually book it with your GP or provincial services.
Here’s who should get it, how often, what’s different for children, and where to book.
Who is the COVID-19 jab recommended for this season?
The COVID-19 vaccine is available free of charge from the age of 6 months, according to the Austrian government.
A single booster is recommended for everyone aged 12 years and above who wants to reduce the risk of severe illness, with priority given to people aged 60 and above, those with specific medical risks (e.g., chronic conditions, pregnancy, immunosuppression), and healthcare workers.
The guidance aims for one seasonal dose in autumn, before infections rise.
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What’s new about the vaccine?
Austria is using updated, monovalent vaccines tailored to the Omicron LP.8.1 lineage. This is not the so-called “Frankenstein” (Stratus/XFG) variant, which is being monitored internationally but has not been detected in Austria so far. Health authorities say the LP.8.1-adapted vaccine is expected to offer cross-protection.
The National Vaccination Committee notes that a seasonal dose provides meaningful additional protection, with effectiveness against symptomatic infection around 40–50 percent and higher early protection against hospitalisation in the first couple of months after the jab.
How often should you get it – and when?
For most healthy people, one dose in autumn is enough.
As a general rule, aim for about 12 months since your last infection or vaccination (with a minimum of six months). However, certain high-risk groups may be advised to shorten this period to four months after medical consultation.
If vaccination happens during or soon after an unnoticed infection, that’s fine, according to the Austrian recommendations.
READ ALSO: Why are diphtheria and whooping cough cases soaring in Austria?
What about children?
For children with risk factors, vaccination is possible and recommended from six months to under five years. If they had no prior exposure, the basic schedule is three doses. After any known exposure, one dose may suffice.
In Vienna, under-5s are generally vaccinated by paediatricians rather than city clinics.
Between the ages of 5 and 11, vaccination is available and recommended for children with certain risk factors. You should discuss the adapted paediatric dose with your paediatrician or GP.
From 12 years, a single autumn dose is recommended for anyone who wants to reduce their risk, with priority given to high-risk groups.
READ ALSO: Can you expect your doctor in Austria to speak English?
Can you combine the flu and Covid jabs?
Yes. Co-administration (two injections, opposite arms) is permitted. Your GP can also arrange both in one visit.
Where to book in each province
• Vienna: book with a participating GP practice or an ÖGK health centre. The city opens supplementary slots seasonally. Info at Impfservice Wien.
• Lower Austria: vaccinations are mainly handled through regular GP surgeries. Provincial information hub: arztnoe.at.
• Upper Austria: use the provincial portal ooe-impft.at or your family doctor. City clinics such as Linz also run scheduled Covid slots.
• Styria: public-health sites and district medical departments offer Covid jabs, with age thresholds varying by site. More information via Steiermark impft.
• Salzburg: public vaccination sites are listed online, and the Airport-Center runs an autumn flu-and-Covid action. Booking details are at salzburg.gv.at.
• Tyrol: Covid vaccination remains free with GPs. Information and locations are listed at Tirol impft.
• Carinthia: provincial vaccination centres are closed; book through your trusted doctor. FAQs and updates at coronainfo.ktn.gv.at.
• Vorarlberg: book via the provincial Impfordination platform; free jabs are available and an additional Dornbirn site is open.
• Burgenland: free Covid vaccination is available from six months of age; appointments are arranged through registered doctors. Provider lists are available at burgenland.at.
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For most people aged 12 and over, one free autumn booster with the LP.8.1-adapted vaccine is the simplest way to top up protection for winter.
If you’re over 60, pregnant, living with a chronic condition or working in health care, you’re in the priority group - book first. Parents of younger children should consult their paediatrician for the proper schedule. Start with your GP or your provincial booking page.
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