From 1 November 2023 a new Shingles vaccine has been added to the National Immunisation Program. The vaccine (Shingrix) is non live vaccine as opposed to the former live shingles vaccine (Zostavax) which has been discontinued. Shingrix is available for free to all patients 65 years of age and over, all First Nations people 50 years of age and over and people aged 18 and over with severe immunocompromising conditions. Shingrix is given as 2 doses, 2-6 months apart. There is no upper age limit for the Shingrix vaccine. If you have had Zostavax previously you are eligible to receive Shingrix 5 years from your vaccination with Zostavax. If you have had shingles in the past, you are able to receive Shingrix 12 months from your infection. The most common side effects of Shingrix are sore arm, redness and swelling at the injection site, tiredness, headache, fever, muscle aches and gastrointestinal symptoms. You are able to have Shingrix with other vaccines however it is recommended that you have it by itself to avoid having side effects from multiple vaccines. Due to limited supply we have started a waitlist. Please phone 02 4476 2999 or 02 6493 4903 to talk to reception about placing your name on the waitlist. For more information visit the NSW Health Website: Shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine – Immunisation programs (nsw.gov.au)
