More Australians now eligible for free Shingles vaccination

The Albanese Government has expanded eligibility for the free shingles vaccination program.

The Hon Mark Butler MP
Minister for Health and Aged Care

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The Albanese Government is expanding one of the most comprehensive and widely available shingles vaccination programs in the world.

The free shingles vaccination is now available to more people over 18 who are immunocompromised due to an underlying health condition or as a side effect of treatment.

This free vaccine will now cover hundreds of thousands of more Australians living with underlying health conditions.
 
The government is investing $57.7 million over 4 years to expand the Shingrix program, which has been available on the NIP since 1 November 2023 to prevent shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia.
 
Free shingles vaccination is already available 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.
 
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful blistering rash as a result of the reactivation of the same virus that causes chickenpox.
 
While most symptoms typically last 2–3 weeks, shingles can lead to nerve pain that can last for months.
 
Vaccination is a safe and effective way to protect yourself from serious complications caused by shingles.
 
Advice is available for health professionals at this link. Patients are encouraged to talk to their immunisation provider about eligibility for this vaccine.
 
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler:
 
“Making the shingles vaccine free for more Australians is not just good their hip pocket, it’s also good for their health.
 
“Without vaccination, almost 1 in 3 Australians will get shingles in their lifetime.
 
“Over 1.3 million Australians have received a free shingles vaccine since the Albanese Government commenced the new Shingles Program on 1 November 2023.
 
“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.”

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lucy Caruso: 0408 803 428

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