Issued: 22 September 2024, Melbourne, Australia
- The Government has expanded access to GSK's shingles vaccine, Shingrix, to cover individuals aged 18 to 64 years who are at a moderate to high risk of herpes zoster as advised by the ATAGI.1
- In some cases, the risk of developing shingles can be up to two times higher in people with immunocompromising conditions compared to those without these conditions.2
From 1 September 2024, the eligible population for Shingrix on the National Immunisation Program (NIP) will be expanded to cover more Australians aged 18 to 64 years who are considered to be at a moderate to high risk of shingles (herpes zoster), due to an underlying condition and/or immunomodulatory/immunosuppressive treatments, as advised by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).1
Shingles is a viral infection that is caused by the reactivation of the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox earlier in life.3,4 It can be a painful and potentially debilitating condition, and some people may also develop post-disease complications such as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). 4,12
While about one in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime and nearly all adults aged 50 years and older carry the inactive virus that causes shingles, the risk of developing shingles can be up to two times higher in people with immunocompromising conditions compared to those without these conditions.2-5
Professor Paul van Buynder, public health physician and Professor in the School of Medicine at Griffith University in Queensland, said the expansion of the Shingrix NIP is very welcome news for Australians already struggling with significant health concerns, especially those between 18 and 64 years of age.
"Shingles can be a serious condition for adults who are considered to be highly immunocompromised. The shingles vaccine can help minimise the impact of this potentially debilitating disease and its complications, like post-herpetic neuralgia. Those with immunocompromised conditions should speak with their doctor or specialist
