Shingles Vaccine Changes

Shingrix Vaccination Eligibility

From 1st November 2023, the Shingrix shingles vaccine will replace the Zostavax vaccine on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule. The NIP will fund a 2-dose course for eligible patients.

The following groups will be eligible for the Government-funded Shingrix vaccine:

• Adults aged 65 years and over (non-Indigenous patients)

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 years and over

• Immunocompromised adults aged 18 years and over with the following medical conditions:

  • haemopoietic stem cell transplant

  • solid organ transplant

  • haematological malignancy

  • advanced or untreated HIV.

Eligible people who have received one dose of Shingrix vaccine privately can receive their second dose free under the NIP from 1st November 2023.

What is Shingles?

Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) in a person who has previously had chickenpox. Shingles presents as a painful blistering rash on one side of the face or body that lasts 10-15 days.

After someone has had chickenpox, the virus can remain dormant in their nerve cells for a long time, and it can reactivate, leading to Shingles. This often happens when the person's immune system isn't at its best, like when they're getting older, dealing with immune issues, have chronic diseases, or are fighting other infections.

Typical symptoms include a burning or tingling feeling, followed by a painful rash with blisters. The rash usually goes away in a few weeks, but for some people, the pain can remain for months.

The risk of getting shingles increases with age and is higher in people who are immunocompromised. Older people (particularly those aged over 65 years) are also more likely to experience complications.

For more information on this change, please click here.

How to book an appointment

We recommend patients who are looking to get a Shingrix vaccine book an appointment with their GP to discuss their options. You can book an appointment with your GP by clicking here or by speaking with one of our receptionists on (02) 9789 5955.

*Please note that we are not able to order the vaccine until 1st Novemeber 2023. We are anticipating for the vaccines to arrive on the week of 6th November 2023.