Shingles vaccination
Shingles vaccination eligibility depends on age and specified medical conditions
What it is, and why it matters
Shingles occurs when the virus that causes chickenpox reactivates. It usually causes a painful rash and can result in persistent nerve pain, eye complications or other serious illness.
Risk increases with age and with some immune conditions or treatments. A previous episode of shingles does not rule out another episode.
How shingles vaccination works
Shingles vaccination is used to reduce the risk of shingles and its complications. It requires a two-dose course, with timing selected for your immune status and treatment plan.
Tell the immuniser about earlier shingles vaccination or infection. These affect both clinical timing and whether a new course is funded.
Individual assessment. This general information does not determine which vaccination is suitable for you. Your clinician discusses the available options, benefits, risks, timing and funding before you decide.
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
Subject to Medicare eligibility and previous vaccination rules.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 50 and over
Subject to Medicare eligibility and previous vaccination rules.
Adults aged 18 and over with specified immune conditions or treatments
Only the listed NIP conditions and treatments qualify. The clinician checks eligibility and timing.
Other adults for whom vaccination is recommended or considered
The clinician checks age, clinical indication and suitability. Recommendation does not establish NIP funding.
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.
- A usual course for an immunocompetent adult is two doses, two to six months apart.
- People who are immunocompromised may need the second dose one to two months after the first. Coordinate timing with the treating clinician.
- After shingles, immunocompetent people are generally advised to wait at least 12 months. Immunocompromised people may be considered from three months after the acute illness, following individual assessment.
- Previous vaccination can change the timing and NIP funding rules. Bring your vaccination record.
What to expect
- Injection-site pain, tiredness, headache, muscle aches, chills or fever can occur and may affect usual activities for a short time.
- A severe allergic reaction to a previous dose or relevant component requires specialist assessment. Stay for the recommended observation period, usually at least 15 minutes.
Precautions
- Tell the immuniser about previous serious reactions, medicines, immune conditions, pregnancy and any current illness before vaccination.
- Vaccination is not a treatment for active shingles. Seek medical advice promptly for a new painful rash, especially near an eye. Pregnancy and immune treatment require individual assessment.
Benefits, limitations and individual advice
Vaccination reduces the risk of shingles and persistent nerve pain, but protection is not complete. Both doses are needed for the recommended course; reactions after a dose do not show how well it is working.
FAQs about shingles vaccination
Can I be vaccinated if I have had shingles?
Yes, vaccination can be considered after recovery, but the recommended interval depends on immune status. For most immunocompetent people it is at least 12 months.
Does being immunocompromised automatically make vaccination free?
No. NIP funding covers specified conditions and treatments from age 18, subject to Medicare and previous-vaccination rules. Other recommendations may involve private fees.
What if I had an older shingles vaccine?
Bring the date and record of that dose. Clinical eligibility and NIP funding use different interval rules, so the provider must check both before a new course.
Primary references
Deeper reading on shingles
Book your shingles vaccination
Contact the pharmacy to check service availability, suitability and booking options.