Shingles vaccination
Free under the NIP from age 65 — and from 50 for ATSI and immunocompromised adults
What it is, and why it matters
Shingles (herpes zoster) is the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, the same virus that caused chickenpox in childhood. The virus stays dormant in nerve roots for life and can reactivate decades later, typically as a painful blistering rash following a single dermatome on one side of the body.
About 1 in 3 people will develop shingles in their lifetime. The most feared complication is post-herpetic neuralgia — long-lasting nerve pain that can persist for months or years after the rash heals. The risk of shingles and PHN both rise sharply with age.
How shingles vaccination works
The shingles vaccine currently used in Australia is a recombinant, non-live vaccine — it contains a viral surface protein with an adjuvant rather than live virus. This replaced an older live-attenuated vaccine in the National Immunisation Program in 2023.
Because the recombinant vaccine is non-live, it is suitable for people who are immunocompromised — including those on immunosuppressive medication or living with HIV — for whom live vaccines were previously contraindicated.
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Funding and eligibility for shingles vaccination
Anchored to the National Immunisation Program schedule and ATAGI advice. Your immuniser confirms your eligibility at the pre-vaccination consultation.
Adults aged 65 and over
Free under the NIP — 2 doses, 2–6 months apart.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over
Free under the NIP from age 50.
Immunocompromised adults aged 18 and over
Free under the NIP for eligible immunocompromising conditions or therapies — including bone marrow transplant, haematological malignancy and HIV.
Adults aged 50–64 not in the above categories
Recommended and available privately from age 50; NIP-funded from 65.
Doses and timing
Schedules below reflect typical recommendations. Your immuniser will confirm exactly what applies to you, including any catch-up doses and co-administration with other vaccines.
- Two doses, 2–6 months apart for most adults.
- For severely immunocompromised people, the second dose may be brought forward to 1–2 months.
- Co-administration with most other vaccines is straightforward.
What to expect
- Sore arm — common and sometimes more pronounced than with other vaccines.
- Fatigue, mild headache, low-grade fever for 24–48 hours.
- These short-lived reactions reflect the strong immune response that drives the vaccine's high effectiveness.
Precautions
- Active shingles episode — wait until the rash has resolved before vaccinating.
- A prior severe allergic reaction to a previous dose is a contraindication to further doses.
How well the vaccine works
In clinical trials, the recombinant shingles vaccine prevented shingles in about 97% of adults aged 50–69 and about 90% of adults aged 70 and over. It also reduces the risk of post-herpetic neuralgia in those who do develop shingles. Protection is durable, with strong evidence of effectiveness lasting at least 7–10 years post-vaccination.
FAQs about shingles vaccination
I've already had shingles — should I still get vaccinated?
Yes. Having had shingles once does not protect you from getting it again. Most authorities recommend waiting until the episode has fully resolved (typically 6–12 months) before vaccinating.
I had the older shingles vaccine years ago. Should I have the new one?
Yes. The recombinant vaccine is more effective and more durable than the older live vaccine. ATAGI recommends those who previously had the older vaccine receive the recombinant series, with at least 12 months between the two.
Why is the second dose necessary?
Two doses are required to reach the high level of protection demonstrated in clinical trials. A single dose provides only partial protection.
Deeper reading on shingles
Book your shingles vaccination
Walk in seven days a week, or book a guaranteed time online via Priceline.
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