As of 1st July 2024, funded Shingrix vaccines are available for some immunocompromised people aged 18 years and older.
If you are aged 18 years or older and meet any of the following criteria, you can receive two doses of Shingrix (given 2-6 months apart) for free:
pre- and post- haematopoietic stem cell transplant or cellular therapy
pre- or post- solid organ transplant
haematological malignancies
living with poorly controlled HIV infection
planned or receiving disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs - targeted synthetic, biologic, or conventional synthetic) for:
polymyalgia rheumatica
systemic lupus erythematosus
rheumatoid arthritis
end stage kidney disease (CKD 4 or 5)
primary immunodeficiency
If you are unsure if you meet the criteria, please discuss this with your GP or call our nurse line to discuss with one of our nurses.
Shingrix is also still available free to anybody aged 65 years.
What is shingles / mate huaketo hei?
Shingles/mate huaketo hei is a viral infection that can appear as a blistering rash, more often on your face or torso, and is usually preceded by tingling, itching, or burning pain. Even after the rash has healed about 30% of people will be left with long-term nerve pain for months or years.
Around 1 in 3 people will get shingles in their lifetime and the risk increases as you grow older or if you are immunocompromised.
You can read more about shingles on Healthify.
Why should I get the Shingrix vaccine?
Getting the Shingrix vaccine significantly reduces your risk of developing shingles and of developing long-term nerve pain (post-herpetic neuralgia) if you do develop shingles.
You can read more about Shingrix on Healthify and on the Shingrix website.
I've already had shingles, is the Shingrix vaccine still recommended for me?
Yes - but usually not until at least 12 months have passed since your last shingles episode.* Shingrix can help prevent another shingles episode from occurring in the future or lessen your risk of complications or ongoing nerve pain if you do develop shingles again.
*If you have a weakened immune system, you may be able to have Shingrix as soon as 3 months after a shingles episode; please discuss this with your doctor.
I received the shingles vaccine Zostavax in the past, can I still get Shingrix now?
Yes. It is safe to have both (at least 12 months apart) and Shingrix will provide you with better and longer lasting protection against shingles than Zostavax.
I'm not 65 years old and I don't meet any of the other eligibility criteria, can I still get the Shingrix vaccine?
Maybe - and there will be a cost. If you are aged 18 years and older you can pay for the Shingrix vaccines. Two doses are needed and each dose currently costs $359.50 here; there will also be a nurse injection fee on top of this. If you are booking in for this, please let reception know as we may need to order a non-funded Shingrix vaccine in for you.
