Shingrix Shingles vaccines will be available for no charge to patients over 65 years and First Nations People over 50

The federal health minister recently announced that from the 1st of November 2023, the recombinant zoster vaccine (RZV, sold as Shingrix) will be made available under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for free to patients over 65 years old, First Nations People over 50 and immunocompromised people 18 years and over at high risk of herpes zoster infection. Shingrix will replace the previously funded vaccine Zostavax (which was available for patients over 70 years old). Not being a live vaccine, the new vaccine is safer and longer lasting than the previous one.

1 in 5 people with shingles will develop severe nerve pain known as post-herpetic neuralgia that can last months or even years. In some cases, it may be permanent. The risk of developing shingles increases with age and people aged 65 years and over are at highest risk of complications like post-herpetic neuralgia.

All the doctors at Temple Hills strongly recommend that you get the vaccine if you are eligible. Please contact us to book an appointment and let the receptionist know so that we can ensure that we have the vaccine in stock for your appointment.