From 1 November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix replaced Zostavax on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) schedule for the prevention of shingles and its complications. It is available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles.
A 2-dose course of Shingrix will be available for free* (government funded) for:
- people aged 65 years and over
- First Nations people aged 50 years and over
- immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with the following medical conditions:
- haematopoietic stem cell transplant
- solid organ transplant
- haematological malignancy (blood cancer)
- advanced or untreated HIV.
Unlike Zostavax, Shingrix does not contain any live virus so it can be given to people aged 18 years and over who are immunocompromised.
*There may be a fee for the consultation.
Vaccine supply
Vaccine supply is being rolled-out to medical practices, Aboriginal Medical Services and pharmacies across Australia from 1 November.
As you can imagine, we have experienced a high demand for the funded Shingrix vaccine since 1 November and have exhausted our supply until 2024. Vaccine providers across the country are being allocated a set number of vaccines; our allocation is currently 10 doses per month. Obviously we have more than 10 patients who are eligible, so we ask for your patience! We are hoping our allocation will increase next year as more vaccine becomes available.
In the interim, if you are eligible for vaccination against shingles, we ask that you discuss the best course of action with your doctor – unfortunately our receptionists are not able to advise you on this, you need to speak with your doctor. If you are unable to access the funded Shingrix at present, you may be able to get it on a private prescription (which costs around $600 for the 2-dose course).
Here we answer some of your frequently asked questions about shingles and the new vaccine.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash. It is caused by reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox. Studies show 95% of Australians have been exposed to the chicken pox virus.
While most symptoms of shingles typically last 2-3 weeks, it can become serious. It can lead to nerve pain that can last for months (called post-herpetic neuralgia or PHN). Other serious complications include pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness and swelling of the brain.
About 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime. Shingles usually affects older people, and the risk of complications increases with age, particularly for:
- those over the age of 65
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over
- some people with weakened immune systems.
Can I get the Shingrix vaccine if I have already had Zostavax?
Yes, but there are some conditions:
People who have already received a funded Zostavax shingles vaccine can’t get a funded Shingrix vaccine for at least 5 years after they have had Zostavax. They can however, pay for the Shingrix on a private prescription provided it’s been 12 months since their last Zostavax.
People who have already received Zostavax vaccine privately can receive the funded Shingrix under the program if they are eligible (when more becomes available). An interval of at least 12 months is recommended between receiving Zostavax and a subsequent dose of Shingrix. A 2-dose schedule of Shingrix will still need to be completed.
How many vaccine doses do I need?
Two doses of the Shingrix vaccine are recommended and funded under the NIP for eligible people. It is important to receive both doses for the best protection. For most people, the two doses of Shingrix vaccine are given 2 to 6 months apart. For people with weakened immune systems, the two doses are given 1 to 2 months apart.
Studies are ongoing as to how long protection lasts, so there are no recommendations yet on whether or how often boosters may be required.
More information: