Dr Richard Mills (General Practitioner):
Hi, I’m Dr. Richard Mills.
I’ve been a GP for over 30 years and half that time I’ve spent working as a GP for an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service here in Queensland and also in the Northern Territory.
Trina Scott (Registered Nurse and Bundjalung woman):
And I’m Trina Scott.
I’m a proud Bundjalung woman and also a registered nurse.
My experience is working in primary health care, First Nations health, diabetes education and nurse navigation.
Today we’re going to be talking about the shingles vaccine, Shingrix, that’s just been made free for nearly 5 million eligible Australians.
We’re also going to be talking about why it’s important to be protecting yourself against shingles, especially as you’re getting older and if you’re immunocompromised.
So, what is shingles?
Dr Richard Mills:
Shingles is a virus infection.
It’s caused by reactivation of the chickenpox virus.
It causes a painful, blistering rash on one side of the face or body.
Symptoms usually last two to three weeks, but occasionally they can last much longer, including causing long term nerve pain.
This is called post-herpetic neuralgia.
It can also cause more serious infection, including infection of the lungs, the eye, it can affect hearing and also rarely it can cause inflammation of the brain.
Trina Scott:
Over 95% of Australians over the age of 30 have had chickenpox.
So if you’ve had chickenpox as a child, there’s a good change that you’ll have shingles as an adult.
About one in three people will get shingles in their lifetime.
That risk increases with age and in those 65 years and older.
First Nations Australians are more likely to experience complications from shingles from the age of 50.
There are changes to the shingles vaccine under the National Immunisation Program.
The shingles vaccine, Shingrix, replaced Zostavax and is available for free for a broader group of people at higher risk of serious illness.
A two dose course of Shingrix is available for free for people aged 65 years and over, First Nations people aged 50 and over, or immunocompromised adults with eligible medical conditions.
Dr Richard Mills:
Two doses of the Shingrix vaccine will give best results.
It’s important to receive both doses two to six months apart or one to two months apart if you have a weak immune system.
Before being made free for eligible Australians, the vaccine would have normally cost more than $500.
The Shingrix vaccine has been shown to be safe and highly effective at preventing shingles in older people. It doesn’t contain any live virus, so it can be given to eligible people whose immune system is weak.
Trina Scott:
While it is possible to administer the vaccine at the same visit as other inactivated vaccines, such as those for tetanus, pneumococcal, flu and COVID-19, it is generally recommended to have Shingrix separately.
Most people only have mild side effects, such as pain and redness at the injection site, headache, tiredness and fever.
Dr Richard Mills:
These symptoms only last for two to three days. But if you’re worried about how your body might respond to the vaccine, talk to your health professional.
Trina Scott:
Vaccination is also recommended if you’ve had shingles infection.
However, you should wait at least 12 months between having shingles and getting Shingrix.
As the risk of further infection is higher in people with weak immune systems, Shingrix can be given from three months after illness.
If you’re eligible for the Shingrix vaccine under the new changes, get in touch with your health professional to protect yourself from shingles.
Dr Richard Mills:
Remember that while the vaccine is free, your health professional may charge a consultation or administration fee.
Please check when you’re booking your appointment.
You can book your vaccine appointment with your GP or community health service.
In some states and territories, local government immunisation clinics offer the vaccine.
You can also obtain your vaccine from participating pharmacies and Aboriginal Medical Services also provide vaccines for the communities they serve.
Trina Scott:
If you’re not eligible to receive the free Shingrix vaccine, talk to your health professional about whether you’re able to receive it privately.
Remember, you’re eligible for the free Shingrix vaccine if you’re aged 65 years and over, you’re a First Nations person aged 50 and over, or you’re an immunocompromised adult with eligible medical conditions.
Dr Richard Mills:
So, shield yourself from shingles.
Talk to your health professional about getting your vaccine today.
For more information go to health.gov.au/shingles-vaccine.
Dr Richard Mills and Registered Nurse Trina Scott answer questions about shingles and the shingles vaccine – free for eligible Australians under the National Immunisation Program.