Australia has one of the most comprehensive shingles vaccination programs in the world and now it’s available to even more people under the National Immunisation Program (NIP).
On 22 September, the Government announced the vaccine would become available to people over 18 who are immunocompromised due to an underlying health condition or as a side effect of treatment. This change, which took immediate effect, will allow hundreds of thousands more Australians to receive the vaccine free of charge.
Shingles is a viral infection caused by the reactivation of the same virus responsible for chickenpox. It typically results in a painful, blistering rash, with symptoms lasting 2-3 weeks. However, in some cases, shingles can lead to nerve pain that can persist for months. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent shingles and its associated complications.
Previously, free shingles vaccination was limited to people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over, and high-risk immunocompromised adults with certain medical conditions. Since the shingles vaccine program began in November 2023, more than 1.3 million Australians have received the vaccine. The government’s further expansion covers hundreds of thousands more Australians, who otherwise would have to pay up to $560 for the vaccine if it were not listed on the NIP.
Pharmacists and health professionals can find additional guidance and resources, including program rules, on the Department of Health website.
