Vaccination Services - Shingles

Shingles is a painful, blistering rash caused by the chickenpox virus reactivating later in life, and it becomes more common and more severe with age. It can also leave lasting nerve pain. The good news is there is an effective vaccine, and for many older Australians it is free.

What is shingles, and the vaccine?

Shingles (herpes zoster) occurs when the chickenpox virus, which stays dormant in your body after childhood chickenpox, reactivates. It typically causes a painful rash in a band on one side of the body, and a significant proportion of people, especially older adults, develop post-herpetic neuralgia, nerve pain that can persist for months or longer. The modern shingles vaccine (Shingrix) is given as two doses and substantially reduces the risk of shingles and its complications.

Who is it for, and who gets it free?

The shingles vaccine is recommended for older adults and some people with weakened immune systems. It is free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for eligible groups, which include people aged 65 and over, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 50 years, and certain immunocompromised people from 18 years. People outside the funded groups can often still have it as a private vaccine. Ask the pharmacist what applies to you, and remember it is a two-dose course.

Getting it at a pharmacy

Trained pharmacist immunisers commonly provide shingles vaccination to adults. The pharmacist screens you, gives the vaccine, observes you for around 15 minutes, and records it on the Australian Immunisation Register. They will also book or remind you about the second dose, which is needed for full protection.

Safety

The shingles vaccine has a strong safety record. Because it generates a robust immune response, it is common to have a noticeably sore arm, tiredness, muscle aches, or a low fever for a day or two, especially after the second dose; this is expected and settles. Tell the pharmacist about severe allergies, past reactions, or if you are significantly immunocompromised, as that affects which vaccine and timing are suitable.

How it’s regulated in Australia

The shingles vaccine is approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and funded for eligible groups under the National Immunisation Program. Pharmacist immunisers administer it under state and territory rules and record doses on the Australian Immunisation Register. Recommendations come from the Australian Immunisation Handbook.

Official sources

• Healthdirect: shingles
• National Immunisation Program schedule

If you are 65 or over (or otherwise eligible), this is well worth doing. Use the button below to find a pharmacy offering shingles vaccination near you.