Shingles Vaccinations

Shingles Vaccinations

What is shingles?

Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox.

Sometimes pain in the affected region can be severe and prolonged. When it lasts more than three months it is called post herpetic neuralgia.

Other complications may include scarring, skin infections, loss of vision or hearing, pneumonia and/or neu'ological complications.

Am I really at risk of shingles?

One in three people will develop shingles in their lifetime.

As a person gets older, the risk of getting shingles and neurological complications increases.

Who can have a free shingles vaccine?

All people aged 70 years old, with a five-year catch up program for people aged 71-79 years old until 31 October 2021.

Those who are not eligible for a free vaccine can purchase it with a prescription from their general practitioner or vaccination provider.

Where can I get the shingles vaccine?

The vaccine is available from November 2016 from your general practitioner or vaccination provider.

Vaccinations don't stop at childhood

Ask your general practitioner or vaccination provider about other free vaccines you may be eligible for.

Your vaccinations don't stop at childhood.

It is important for adults to be vaccinated too.

People aged 65 years and over are eligible for other free vaccinations under the National Immunisation Program including:

  • Pneumococcal vaccine which can reduce your risk of pneumonia.
  • Influenza vaccine which is available from Autumn each year to help protect you against the flu virus.

Talk to your doctor or nurse about the FREE Shingles Vaccine

Protect yourself against Shingles

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A FREE VACCINE is now available for people aged 70-79 years old

Shingles can be very painful and lead to serious long-term complications.

For more information regarding immunisation, visit immunise.health.gov.au or call the Immunise Australia Information Line 1800 671 811.

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