Australians aged 50 years and older are much more at risk of developing Shingles, a painful viral rash. In fact, according to the National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) states that 70% of Shingles cases occur in people aged 50 years and older.

Shingles can cause unpleasant symptoms such as a blistering rash, fever, headache, chills and an upset stomach. The rash, which is the main symptom often occurs along a nerve path of the body and the most common areas are the chest and abdomen. People describe the pain as burning, stabbing and aching.

The good news is there is a new and improved vaccine (Shingrix) available and the Australian government has just announced that as of 1st November 2023, Australians will have free access to the vaccine. Those who are aged 65 years and over, First Nationals people aged 50 years and over and immunocompromised people aged 18 years and over at high risk of the herpes zoster infection will be eligible. The vaccine provides 10 years of protection and usually costs around $560 per person.

While shingles can affect everyone of all ages, older people are more likely to develop post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). This is a nerve pain condition that affects people in the area where the Shingles rash first appeared. This condition is long-term.

Senior Clinical Immunologist at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, Pravin Hissaria thinks it is important that those 65 years and older seriously consider having the Shingrix vaccine.

“The uptake should be a lot higher because it does not have lots of precautions that needed to be taken with the previously available vaccine,” he said.

“It is to be taken in two doses, preferably two months apart but it can be taken from two to six months apart”.