Herpes-zoster (Shingles) is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus – the same virus that causes chickenpox.  The shingles rash occurs when the dormant chickenpox virus is reactivated in the nerve tissue, causing inflammation of the nerves. This results in pain and a blistery rash. Sometimes pain in the affected region can be severe and prolonged and can result in “post herpetic neuralgia”. This is especially common for people over 70. Other less common complications may include scarring, skin infections, loss of vision or hearing, pneumonia, or neurological complications.

97% of people carry the virus that causes shingles.   1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their life time.
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Recombinant Zoster Vaccine (Shingrix) is now available in our surgery.         (Zostavax is no longer available)
From 1 November 2023, the shingles vaccine Shingrix® will will be available on the National Immunisation Program schedule for the prevention of shingles and post-herpetic neuralgia. ​​It will be available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles.
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The Vaccine:

Unlike Zostavax®, SHINGRIX® does not contain any live virus so it can be given to people aged 18 years and over who are immunocompromised.

SHINGRIX is a 2-dose vaccine series (0.5 mL each) administered as an injection into the muscle in the upper arm. It is important to complete the 2-dose series to help prevent shingles

SHINGRIX is proven to be over 90% effective in preventing shingles in adults 50 years

Recommended for:

Free shingles vaccination under the National Immunisation Program is available for eligible people most at risk of complications from shingles.

Shingrix is for free 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
  • advanced or untreated HIV.
If you previously received a free Zostavax shingles vaccine under the NIP, you are not eligible for a free Shingrix vaccine for at least 5 years.  

If you purchased the Zostavax vaccine privately, you can receive Shingrix for free under the program if you’re eligible. You should wait at least 12 months between receiving Zostavax and getting the Shingrix vaccine. 

You should not receive SHINGRIX:
  • if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or had an allergic reaction to a previous dose of SHINGRIX
  • An increased risk of Guillain-Barré syndrome (severe muscle weakness) was observed after vaccination with SHINGRIX

SHINGRIX was not studied in pregnant or breast feeding women. Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
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​Vaccination with SHINGRIX may not protect all individuals​
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Adverse Reactions:

The most common side effects of SHINGRIX are: 
  • Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site
  • Muscle pain
  • Tiredness
  • Headache
  • Shivering
  • Fever
  • Upset stomach​

Severe allergic reactions are less common and include:

  • Hives
  • Swelling of the face/throat
  • Difficulty breathing
  • A fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness