Shingrix Vaccination

In Queensland, pharmacists can administer the Shingrix vaccine to individuals who meet the following criteria:

• Age: 18 years and over 

• Eligibility for FREE Shingrix Vaccine:

  • People aged 65 years and over

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 years and over

  • Immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over with specific medical conditions (haematopoietic stem cell transplant, solid organ transplant, haematological malignancy, advanced or untreated HIV)

If you fall under any of these categories, you can get the Shingrix vaccine for free through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) here at Woody Point Pharmacy. 

Important Note:

• From 1 November 2023, Shingrix replaced Zostavax on the NIP for eligible people.

• Even if you don't meet the NIP eligibility criteria, you may still be able to get the Shingrix vaccine at a pharmacy, but you may have to pay for it. It is always best to discuss this with your doctor or pharmacist.

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. 

While most symptoms typically last 2-3 weeks, shingles 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. 

How and where can I get the free shingles vaccine? 

Check with your vaccination provider if you can get a free shingles vaccine. 

If you are ineligible for the free vaccine, you can still get it although there will be a fee involved. 

How many vaccine doses do I need? 

Two doses of the Shingrix® vaccine are recommended and free 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. 

Do I still need to get vaccinated if I’ve already had shingles? 

Vaccination is still recommended for those who have had shingles infection in the past. However, you should wait at least 12 months between an episode of shingles and having the vaccine. Discuss this with your doctor or other vaccination provider. As the risk of further infection is higher in immunocompromised people, Shingrix® can be given from 3 months after illness. 

Is the shingles vaccine safe and effective? 

Yes. Shingrix® vaccine has been shown to be safe and highly effective at preventing shingles and severe complications. It does not contain any live virus so it can be given to people who are immunocompromised (18 years and over). 

Are there any side effects from the vaccine? 

Shingrix® creates a strong defence against shingles and can cause temporary side effects. These can include pain where the needle went in, redness and swelling, tiredness, muscle aches, headaches, fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. These reactions are generally mild and disappear in a few days. Shingrix® can be given at the same time as other ‘inactivated’ vaccines such as tetanus-containing vaccines, pneumococcal vaccines, flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines. However, it is best to have it by itself, if possible, to reduce the risk of mild to moderate side effects. Talk to your doctor or other vaccination provider for advice. 

Where can I find a full Consumer Medication Information Leaflet for Shingrix?

https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/7ac4e038-573c-4147-9b25-ad0c00d1d2a2.pdf