More Australians now eligible for free shingles vaccine

The free shingles vaccination is now available to more Australians over 18 who are immunocompromised due to an underlying health condition or as a side effect of treatment, making it accessible to hundreds of thousands more people living with underlying health conditions.

Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox earlier in life. It is a painful condition that causes a blistering rash, and while most symptoms typically last 2–3 weeks, some people may also develop post-disease complications such as nerve pain in the form of post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN), which can last for months. Nearly all adults aged 50 and older carry the inactive virus that causes shingles, and the risk of developing the condition can be up to two times higher in people with immunocompromising conditions compared to those without them.

Free access to GSK’s shingles vaccine, Shingrix, is already available through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for people aged 65 and older, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and older, and high-risk immunocompromised adults with certain medical conditions. Now the program is being expanded to cover more Australians aged 18 to 64 years who are considered to be at a moderate to high risk of shingles, due to an underlying condition and/or immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive treatments, as advised by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).

“Over 1.3 million Australians have received a free shingles vaccine since the Albanese government commenced the new Shingles Program on 1 November 2023,” said Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler.

“Without listing it on the NIP, Australians who are immunocompromised due to an underlying health condition would have to pay up to $560 for their vaccine.

“With the expanded eligibility for the free shingles vaccination, the Albanese government is protecting more at-risk Australians from this debilitating virus.”

Leanne Raven, CEO of Crohn’s and Colitis Australia, has applauded the expansion of access to the shingles vaccine.

“Australians living with autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, need as much support as possible to avoid developing conditions that can further impact their day-to-day life,” she said. “This is especially important for those who have to take certain immunosuppressants, as they are at an even greater risk of developing other health conditions such as infections or cardiovascular disease depending on their treatment.

“Conditions like shingles, which is more common in older people as well as people with a weakened immune system, can be debilitating. Crohn’s and Colitis Australia is pleased the government recognises the impact shingles can have on adults living with these autoimmune diseases where treatment may place them at moderate to high risk of shingles and is helping to provide access to prevention.”

“Shingles can be a serious condition for adults who are considered to be highly immunocompromised,” added Professor Paul van Buynder from Griffith University. “The shingles vaccine can help minimise the impact of this potentially debilitating disease and its complications, like post-herpetic neuralgia. Those with immunocompromised conditions should speak with their doctor or specialist for further information about their eligibility for the NIP-funded shingles vaccine and whether it is appropriate for them.”

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